USMNT team news: Gregg Berhalter confirms Gio Reyna ready for England clash

Gregg Berhalter has confirmed key playmaker Giovanni Reyna will be available for the United States Men's National Team's clash with England on Friday, despite keeping his starting lineup under lock and key.

Reyna failed to see the pitch at all during the USMNT's 1-1 draw with Wales on Monday to open their Group B campaign, first being left out of the starting XI before seeing others brought off the bench ahead of him.

After the match, Berhalter suggested Reyna had 'a little bit of tightness' that meant it wasn't worth risking the Borussia Dortmund youngster. However, that flew in the face of Reyna's own assessment.

“No, I feel great. I feel really good. I feel ready to go,” he said. “I felt good, I felt ready to go but it was just his [Berhalter’s] decision."

Berhalter was asked by reporters whether or not Reyna would be 'risked' against England on Friday, prompting a fiery response from the USMNT coach.

“I think I was pretty clear after the game saying he was available for the match, and it was a coach's decision that he didn’t play,” said Berhalter. “And he'll be available for tomorrow's match, and we’ll see what happens.”

Berhalter also confirmed Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest are 'both fine' after fitness scares of their own, but refused to reveal any details regarding his potential starting XI.

He did, however, insist the magnitude of renewing rivalries with England will be motivation enough for his players to handle the short recovery time between World Cup matches.

“I think this is a pretty easy one – you're getting to play England. That's the recovery right there,” he said. “You get to play one of the teams that we think is the favorite of the tournament. I think there's not going to be many tired players come Friday.”

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