Auston Trusty delivered a composed performance for the United States against Portugal, but Tim Howard made it clear that the Celtic defender has not done enough to change the defensive hierarchy.
Speaking after the match, Howard confirmed he would still back USA’s Chris Richards and Tim Ream, reinforcing how difficult it remains for Trusty to break through.
Trusty stepped into the USMNT side with limited international experience and handled the occasion well. The Celtic defender’s display immediately raised the question of whether he had done enough to force a change.
That question was put directly to Howard, and his answer was emphatic. There was no suggestion that one performance would alter his thinking.
Why do you think Auston Trusty has played his best football under Martin O’Neill this season?
Tim Howard makes his Trusty stance clear despite Celtic defender’s display
Speaking about the Celtic defender’s performance, Howard said, “Yeah. A question about Trusty versus Tim Ream. Okay, Are we moving on from Ream with this performance from Trusty?”
Howard’s response shut down that line of thinking. He made it clear that the existing options in the USA squad remain ahead.
“I mean. No. No, we’re better in a back three,” he said. “Right. So I think you could make a case. And again, Auston Trusty played for the US what Six times before coming in tonight.
“So maybe this is a seventh cap. Not a lot. Did he do well? Did he do well enough? Sure. But, yeah I would still pick Chris Richards and Tim Ream.”
Celtic defender Trusty faces USA system barrier rather than a performance issue
Howard’s explanation focused on the USA structure rather than Trusty’s performance. The preference for a back three limits how and where Trusty fits into the system.
That makes this less about one performance and more about the national side’s tactics. Trusty’s display did not contradict that system view.
Howard also pointed to Trusty’s limited experience at international level. The defender had only a small number of appearances before this match.
That lack of exposure continues to shape selection decisions. It places him behind players with a longer track record.
Trusty did what was required, but the Celtic defender is unfairly judged
Trusty showed he can perform at this level against Portugal. That part of the equation is no longer in doubt.
However, Howard’s comments confirm that the defensive order remains intact. One strong display has not shifted the balance in the Celtic star’s favour.
Trusty’s challenge now is consistency over time rather than a single moment. Until that changes, the established players in Pochettino’s team will continue to be selected.
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