Howard undecided on USA future

United States goalkeeper Tim Howard has cast doubt on his international future after admitting he is contemplating retirement.

Howard produced a heroic man-of-the-match performance against Belgium in the last-16 clash in Salvador on Tuesday but it could not prevent the USA from bowing out from the FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 defeat in extra time.

The 35-year-old keeper made 15 saves at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova – a World Cup record that eclipsed the 13 set by Peru’s Ramon Quiroga in 1978.

But with Howard advancing in years, the 2018 World Cup in Russia may be a bridge too far for the 104-cap veteran.

“What happens going forward with the national team, I don’t know,” Howard told reporters.

“Everything’s a bit raw at the moment. I don’t think it’s black and white to be honest.

“There’s no doubt barring injury that I’ll be fit and willing to keep going, but there’s a lot more things that go into that decision than just my physical health, so it’s something that in time I’ll decide on.”

If the Everton shot-stopper, who signed a new four-year deal with the Premier League club in April, does not make it through to the next World Cup, he has already earmarked Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan – capped 25 times – as the man to take his place.

“I would imagine at the moment the way things look, I think Brad Guzan,” Howard said on the Dan Patrick Show.

“He’s a top Premier League goalkeeper, a dear friend and his talent is incredible.”