da betway： GOAL breaks down how B.J. Callaghan should look to break down the Reggae Boyz with his under-strength roster

da realsbet： With the United States men's national team's Nations League squad, you had a general idea of what a starting XI would look like. There were several players in that group that are locked in starters. Christian Pulisic is the left winger, Antonee Robinson is the left-back, and so on and so forth.

This Gold Cup squad, though, is a bit more interesting. Interim coach B.J. Callaghan has a wild mix of veterans, hopefuls and rising stars in his squad as the USMNT looks to defend the crown they won in 2021.

Their first game may very well be their toughest, as the U.S. opens their title defense with a match against Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz feature plenty of Premier League talent, headlined by West Ham striker Michail Antonio, making them a legitimate candidate to win the whole thing.

So how does Callaghan set the USMNT up for what will be a fairly grueling tournament run? Does he throw young stars right into the fire, knowing that the second two games are very winnable, or does he lean on veterans to ensure the U.S. starts the tournament on the right foot?

GOAL breaks down a potential USMNT lineup that Callaghan could go with against the Reggae Boyz:

GettyGK: Matt Turner

There will be plenty who will want to see Gaga Slonina at some point this tournament, but this definitely isn't the game for it. Given the challenge Jamaica will pose, and his need for minutes, Turner will almost certainly get the nod after two clean sheets in the Nations League last week.

AdvertisementGettyLB: DeJuan Jones

Something of a toss-up between Jones and John Tolkin, and both will probably get an opportunity at some point this tournament. Whoever does start will have a tough job facing off, most likely, against Leon Bailey. Callaghan really could go with either, but we'll give Jones the nod due to his extra experience.

GettyCB: Matt Miazga

In this new cycle, Miazga is a player that is deserving of a chance to show his worth. After getting stuck in the Chelsea loan system, he's been spectacular with FC Cincinnati and has the potential to be a key contributor over the next few years. He felt overlooked last cycle, and he may have a point. Now's his chance to show it.

GettyCB: Aaron Long

This spot depends solely on Miles Robinson. He picked up a knock in the Nations League win over Mexico, and it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to go against Jamaica. If he isn't, it makes sense to turn to the veteran Long, although he hasn't been too impressive since joining LAFC. The other option is Jalen Neal, who, despite his rise with the Galaxy, is just 20 years old.

Because of that, we'll lean Long, but if Robinson is healthy, he's a locked-in starter.