FORMER United States of America goalkeeper Brad Friedel insists Coventry City striker Haji Wright has earned the right to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Friedel won 82 caps for his country and made 450 appearances in the Premier League representing Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
Co-hosts USA won their first game at this summer’s World Cup with a dominant 4-1 victory against Paraguay with Wright an unused substitute for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
USA play Australia on Friday, June 19 and Turkey on Friday, June 26 with America in pole position to reach the knockout stages.
And Friedel believes Coventry star Wright must stay fully engaged when sitting on the bench to make an impact on the pitch when required.
Speaking exclusively to MrQ, Friedel said: “He was one that I thought, when Mauricio first took over, would probably not make it to the World Cup, but he has earned every right to be there.
“He’s had a great season, maybe even a couple of seasons.
“He’s played really well, and he is one of those players that has the athletic capability to play against the big boys.
“So, he’ll be very important, whether it’s coming off the bench or starting.
“It’s just very important that if he’s not a starter, that he stays fully engaged and is with the group and is ready for his chance when it comes, because if he has that type of attitude, he can do some real positive things on the field.”
