USMNT vs. Scotland: Picking a US Starting XI to Face the Scots

While Europe builds up to the Championships this summer, it's important not to forget there's football going on elsewhere too.

The United States are currently preparing in their minicamp for the international friendly against Scotland. The game will take place on May 26 in Jacksonville, Fla.

It's go time for Jurgen Klinsmann's men as the World Cup qualifying campaign looms and we can expect to see a strong side.

Here's a projection for the starting XI at EverBank Field.

GK: Tim Howard

There is no one else.

Brad Guzan is a good goalkeeper but he will never usurp Tim Howard whilst he's still playing top-tier football.

Howard is probably the United States' best and most valuable player and continues to show consistent brilliance in goal.

We might see a second-half showing from Guzan, but Howard should start this one.

DEF: Steve Cherundolo

Steve Cherundolo refuses to slow down and still represents a very solid right-back option for the USA.

His form over the course of the domestic season has been solid enough with Hannover 96 and, despite being 33 years of age, will probably be in contention for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

While Cherundolo is still the best option, it's disappointing that Eric Lichaj didn't earn a call-up to the minicamp squad.

The versatile full-back has stepped up for Aston Villa in a dire situation and performed admirably.

DEF: Fabian Johnson

Fabian Johnson is someone that every national team needs—a player who can play almost anywhere.

He's an excellent utility player and while that might harm his chances of regular football in one position, he is seemingly happy to do what is asked of him.

A lot of Americans have been suitably impressed with Johnson and his full season in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim has allowed him to grow immeasurably as a player.

DEF: Geoff Cameron

Clarence Goodson could feature here, but I'd opt for blooding Geoff Cameron.

Cameron has started two of the USA's fixtures in 2012 so far, keeping clean sheets against Panama and Venezuela respectively.

It's time he played against the next level of opposition and, as Scotland aren't too challenging, it's a great litmus test to establish whether he can keep on moving up the ranks or not.

DEF: Carlos Bocanegra

USA captain Carlos Bocanegra is a similar story to Steve Cherundolo on the previous slide.

At 32, he's still got a lot to offer his nation and his position isn't threatened just yet due to Fabian Johnson's ability to play almost anywhere.

The Rangers defender still takes representing his nation seriously—a trait that is fantastic to see considering the attitude to international duty most people have.

DM: Daniel Williams

I like Daniel Williams and so does Jurgen Klinsmann.

Williams was the first player to become newly capped under the German boss and has made great strides during a short international career so far.

This midfield slot is very much up for grabs, but I'd like to see Williams take it. I feel for Sacha Kljestan as he's a good player coming off the back of an excellent domestic season in Belgium.

Williams got the nod against Italy and that should carry him through to the next important game.

CM: Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley looks set to be a key player in the USA's midfield for years to come.

He's been performing very, very well under Jurgen Klinsmann and stood out amongst the rest in the historic 1-0 win against Italy.

Nicknamed "The Kid" despite being 24 years old, he's really come of age and nailed down his spot since the departure of his father as manager.

A great season for Chievo Verona in Serie A this season has all but guaranteed constant involvement with the international setup.

CM: Maurice Edu

Maurice Edu is another mainstay in the USA team and is young enough to look conceivably at two World Cups.

It's important to pack the side with youth and experience combined, so with a young and inexperienced central defensive pairing comes a need for guidance.

Sitting Edu in front of them is as good a shield as USA have and his 32 international caps and 2010 World Cup appearances show he knows what he's doing.

Wing: Clint Dempsey

Clint Dempsey should turn out either wide or just behind the striker.

He doesn't do the damage you'd like in a pure striking role, so you can't slot him in up front in a 4-4-2.

He thrives off incisive through balls and being brought into play and space. Coming in off the flank or dropping between the defensive lines is his strong suit and the USA must play to that.

This is the most in-form USA international right now who could be representing Arsenal next season. Jurgen Klinsmann simply has to utilise this.

**Breaking news, as per NBC Sports: Dempsey didn't make it to the camp on time, so we will definitely see what else Klinsmann has at his disposal. We could see Fabian Johnson vacate defence and move up to left midfield .

Wing: Landon Donovan

Another very capable midfielder who can come inside and wreak havoc.

Rather than put him up front, I hope Jurgen Klinsmann utilises him opposite Clint Dempsey with some relative freedom granted too.

Landon Donovan is excellent when allowed to drift and cuts in off the flank toward goal better than any other American player.

His goal threat is greater than Dempsey's purely due to his ability to sit on the shoulder of the defensive line.

ST: Jozy Altidore

If the USA national team are to compete in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, they simply have to utilise a lone striker and five in support.

Out of all the striking options, Jozy Altidore is head and shoulders above the rest at playing the lone role.

His league form in the Eredivisie has been excellent this season and Jurgen Klinsmann will be expecting him to carry that into this tournament simulation process.

**Breaking news, as per NBC Sports: Altidore didn't make it to the camp on time, so we will definitely see what else Klinsmann has at his disposal. Terrence Boyd will likely get a long examination.

Follow @stighefootball