World Cup: 3 Possible Captains for the U.S. Men's National Team in 2014

Among coach Jürgen Klinsmann's roster selections for the upcoming U.S. men's national team's  friendlies against Costa Rica (on September 2) and Belgium (on September 6) was defender Carlos Bocanegra, who was captain of the squad for the better part of three years. Bocanegra is certainly deserving of his place in the roster as he has been a key cog in the U.S. defense since 2003.

But the new Rangers acquisition will be 35 at the time of the 2014 World Cup, raising some doubt to whether he'll be occupying a place in the starting lineup. If he isn't, here are three players who could supplant him as U.S. captain.   

Tim Howard

Howard will certainly be the No. 1 goalkeeper at the 2014 World Cup, barring injury. He has been first choice at Everton since arriving at the club in 2006. A veteran on the U.S. team, the 2014 World Cup will be his third.

Landon Donovan

Although he will be 32 (and slightly past his prime) at the time of the next World Cup, Landon Donovan should certainly be on the roster and as a likely starter.

Possibly the best attacking player the U.S. has ever produced, Donovan is the all-time leading goalscorer in USMNT history. He has also been a clutch player for the national team, as evidenced by the goal against Algeria in the World Cup last year.

Clint Dempsey

Also likely to be in the roster for the 2014 World Cup as a starter, Dempsey has not only excelled with the national team (22 goals in 77 caps) but with Fulham (12 goals during the 2010-11 season). He plays with ferocity and intensity that has earned him the respect of many in England.