Keller and Friedel in US squad

The United States today became the first World Cup nation to name their squad for next month's tournament in Japan and Korea.

Coach Bruce Arena has named six English-based players in his 23-man squad.

Two of America's three goalkeepers are playing in the Premiership - Brad Friedel at Blackburn and Kasey Keller with Spurs.

Crystal Palace defender Gregg Berhalter is the only Nationwide League representative in the squad.

Fulham midfielder Eddie Lewis, Sunderland's former-Rangers star Claudio Reyna and Everton striker Joe-Max Moore complete the Premiershipbased contingent.

Crystal Palace striker Jovan Kirovski is one of 10 players on a reserve list.

The squad will meet in North Carolina for a 10-day intensive training camp at the State Capital Soccer Park before embarking on a three-game warm-up.

They will play Uruguay on 12 May in Washington, Jamaica on 16 May in East Rutherford, New Jersey and Holland on 19 May in Boston.

Arena said: "After an exhaustive process and many successes and challenges over the last four years, we have selected the 23 players who we believe will give us the best chance of success at the World Cup.

"There were many difficult decisions to be made in selecting this squad, thanks to the hard work and effort of all the players who have been involved in the national team programme throughout the process.

"To those who won't be with us in the Far East, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for their contribution to the programme.

"We will now turn our attention to getting this group physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of the World Cup.

"We are looking forward to focusing for the next five weeks on continuing to improve as a team.

"I am confident that come 5 June this team will be equipped to give a great performance in the World Cup."