The preparations for the U-20 World Cup in May continue this week as 25 players assemble in London for a week-long training camp led by head coach Tab Ramos.
European-based players Danny Barbir, Sebastian Des Pres, Emmanuel Sabbi, James Murphy, Mukwelle Akale, Stephen Paybe and Justin Vom Steeg join a group of players based in the United States to complete the 25-man squad that will all have a chance to impress Ramos.
“This camp provides one more opportunity for players we have already seen with the U-20 National Team and also players who have done well with our U-19 National Team,” Ramos said. “We will be able to see players in highly competitive environments playing against very good competition.”
Of the 25 players called in by Ramos, 10 are making their first appearance in a U20 camp while six return from the team that won the CONCACAF U-20 crown.
“All players coming in to this camp have the potential to make our U-20 World Cup final squad, Ramos said. “I am sure that there will be a few players who will be selected for the U-20 World Cup based on their performance at this camp.”
Here’s a closer look at the roster:
GOALKEEPERS: Jonathan Klinsmann (University of California; Newport Beach, Calif.), JT Marcinkowski (Georgetown University; Alamo, Calif.), Brady Scott (De Anza Force; Petaluma, Calif.), Justin Vom Steeg (Fortuna Dusseldorf; Santa Barbara, Calif.)
DEFENDERS: Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy; Norwalk, Calif.), Danny Barbir (West Bromwich Albion F.C.; Allentown, Pa.), Marcello Borges (University of Michigan; Kearny, N.J.), Aaron Herrera (University of New Mexico; Casa Grande, Ariz.), John Nelson (Internationals SC; Medina, OH), Keaton Parks (Plano, Texas; Unattached), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United FC; Arlington, Mass.), Brandon Terwege (FC Dallas; Highland Village, Texas)
MIDFIELDERS: Mukwelle Akale (Villarreal CF; Minneapolis, Minn.), Collin Fernandez (Chicago Fire; Bridgeview, IL), Jeremiah Gutjahr (Indiana University; Bloomington, IN), Djordje Mihailovic (Chicago Fire; Bridgeview, Ill.), James Murphy (Sheffield Wednesday F.C.; Scotch Plains, N.J.), Yosef Samuel (Bethlehem Steel FC; Atlanta, Ga.), Eryk Williamson (University of Maryland; Alexandria, Va.)
FORWARDS: Sebastien Des Pres (Blackpool FC; San Diego, Calif.), Felipe Hernandez (Swope Park Rangers; Murfreesboro, Tenn.), Lagos Kunga (Atlanta United FC, Tucker, Ga.), Stephen Paybe (Estoril Praia; Birmingham, Ala.), Emmanuel Sabbi (UD Las Palmas; Columbus, OH), Mason Toye (PDA, South Orange, N.J.)