Everton fans have got used to the heroics of Tim Howard between the posts. The former Manchester United keeper has played well over 100 games for the Toffees since signing for them on loan in 2006 before making the deal permanent the following year. His international career has approached the half century of caps.

 

Howard began his career with the North Jersey Imperials before moving to the MetroStars for whom he played 88 games between 1998 and 2003. However, it was the move to English giants Manchester United that brought his talents to a wider audience. His first match was in the traditional season curtain raiser - the Charity (Community) Shield match – and he made a match-winning penalty save against Arsenal. He went on to win both the FA Cup and the League Cup with United before being ousted as first choice by Edwin van der Sar and moving to Everton on loan.

He made his international debut in 2002 and has battled with several good keepers such as Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel before making the number one jersey his own for the USA. He failed to play in the 2006 World Cup but should fare much better this time around.