How the USMNT should line up vs St. Kitts and Nevis in crucial Gold Cup clash: Jalen Neal in defense, Brandon Vazquez up top

If there was a game to start Gaga Slonina, this would probably be the one, but will Callaghan actually do it? Probably not. Turner is here for a reason, and that reason is to play games. Each chance to get on the field is vital for the USMNT No.1, who may not get too many chances at club level as long as he remains at Arsenal.

Because of that, we'll start him, but do keep an eye on Slonina if Callaghan does want to give the youngster a go.

John Tolkin played in the first game and was solid, but not spectacular. We'll give Jones this one to show what he's got. Both Tolkin and Jones are vying for a back-up spot with the full team, and while St. Kitts and Nevis isn't the best team to audition against, every impression counts.

He's certainly earned this. After coming in as a second-half substitute against Jamaica, Neal looked like the most composed defender on the field. He's only 19 years old and still has a lot of growing to do, but you have to say that he was ridiculously impressive when challenged by a pretty good Jamaica attack.

Because of that, he deserves a start and a chance to show why he may just be someone the U.S. can rely on in the knockout rounds.

This all depends on health. If Robinson is good to go, there's no doubt he'll be a key piece for this team the rest of the way. However, a knock kept him out of the first game, and it would be understandable if Callaghan wanted to give him a few more days of rest or a just a brief cameo to get his feet wet post-injury.

If not Robinson, Matt Miazga would probably be the guy as he looks to make his mark after being at least partially at fault for the first goal on Saturday night.

The veteran DeAndre Yedlin got the first game, so we'll give this one to the youngster. Reynolds bounced back during his time in Belgium, putting his disastrous start to life at Roma in the rearview mirror. It remains to be seen where he ends up going forward, but international games are always a great time to put yourself in the shop window, even against an overmatched opponent.

Against Jamaica, the USMNT went with more of a double pivot, with Sands and Aaron Morris behind Alan Sonora, but it would make sense to invert that for this one. Sands was the better performing of two, so we'll pick him as the No.6 to protect the backline behind two more attack-minded midfielders.

He didn't get off the bench against Jamaica, but this is a game where his ability on the ball makes sense. Busio's had some tough times in Serie B for Venezia, but this tournament is a chance for him to kickstart his 2023-24 season early. His passing and creativity could be helpful against a team that won't have much of the ball.

Probably the biggest omission from the opening game... he can't be left out twice, right? Mihailovic is this group's most creative midfielder, which makes this the perfect game to unleash him. He should have the freedom to try things, which is every creative midfielder's dream, isn't it?

Jordan Morris looks set to miss out due to injury, so it's Cowell's time. Fresh off an incredible Under-20 World Cup, Cowell should get his chance in this one. He'll have to be more clinical than he was down in Argentina but, if he gets a full head of steam, he could dribble his way through just about anybody.

A striker's job is to score goals, and Vazquez got himself one on Saturday night. It may be a bit reactionary to put him straight in over Jesus Ferreira because of that fact, but Vazquez also deserves the chance. His more physical presence could help the USMNT in this one, while his finishing ability could be key to actually taking the one or two chances that may come.

We'll give Vazquez the start, with Ferreira more than capable of coming on if things aren't working.

Zendejas is one of the closest things to a sure-fire starter in this XI. Unless being rested, he's the guy at right-wing. And, with Morris out and Julian Gressel only just arriving in camp, there's even less of a doubt about the Club America star's place.