Christian Pulisic criticised by USMNT legend Alexi Lalas for accepting offer to leave Mauricio Pochettino’s squad & return to AC Milan ahead of Mexico clash

Despite filling the role of ‘Captain America’ for his country, Pulisic accepted the offer to leave Mauricio Pochettino’s ranks early and return to club side AC Milan instead of lining up in a friendly date with El Tri. The United States’ coaching team have spoken of Pulisic needing a rest amid a hectic schedule.

Lalas, though, is struggling to understand why the 26-year-old forward would want to pass up the chance to turn out in a historic grudge match. He would still have had time to recover from a long trip back to Europe before Milan are next in Serie A action.

USMNT legend Lalas has told his State of the Union podcast: "Load management can kiss my ass! It should hurt you as a player. You should want to have been on this field to play Mexico, whether it's in Guadalajara, whether it's in Los Angeles, whether it's in Columbus, whether it's on the freaking moon, you should want to move heaven and earth to be involved in a game as a U.S. men's national team player against El Tri. Anywhere, anytime. Bring it. One leg, I don't care - you want to be involved. And if you don't want to be involved and if you just brush it off, there is something wrong. There is something wrong with you, and there is something wrong with the program.”

The United States suffered a 2-0 defeat against Mexico, with Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta among the goals. They opened the Pochettino era with a 2-0 win over Panama and will return to action in mid-November when facing Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals.