U.S. international Tim Howard says it's up to Jurgen Klinsmann to decide which goalkeeper will be in the starting XI for the United States' Copa America Centenario opener on June 3.
The 37-year-old Colorado Rapids keeper is battling with Aston Villa's Brad Guzan for the starting spot with the national team. Both men are in Miami for a training camp ahead of the competition next month, and neither has separated themselves as the clear No. 1 thus far.
Howard, who played 13 seasons in the Premier League, took a one-year international break following a standout performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The 31-year-old Guzan seized the opportunity in Howard's absence and started all six games of the U.S.'s Gold Cup run last summer.
Of Klinsmann's pending decision for this summer's Copa America, Howard said: "The manager makes the decisions, that's no different than any other time. So for me, I'm not really that concerned with any decisions that are getting made. I don't make them, I can't concern myself with them.
"I want to be a part of this team between now and certainly the end of [the 2018 World Cup], but that's going to take many different shapes between now and then. I just keep pushing as hard as I can and do what I can. Jurgen will make those decisions."
Guzan echoed Howard's sentiments, adding: "It's up to the manager, it's up to Jurgen to make that decision. If your name and number is called, then you contribute in any way you can with trying to play well, make a few saves and help the guys in front of you get a result. So we'll leave that up to the manager."
Howard has yet to play for his new team, but they have become the surprise of the season thus far in MLS. After finishing near the bottom in each of the past three seasons, the Rapids lead the race for the Supporters' Shield, collecting 24 points from 12 games thus far.
The former New York MetroStars keeper has been following their impressive run, and believes it isn't as shocking as some may think.
"I follow the team, spoke to a few guys on the team, and it's not a surprise when I think you saw how they built the roster," he said. "Of course, it kind of has to come together, but certainly coming into the preseason when all the pieces got put in place, it looked like a really good team.
"The fact that they're out there and able to execute and go and get results, it's good to know that they're on the path they set off on."
Howard added he's looking forward to joining up with his new team, saying: "In reality, I'm packing up my life and moving onto the next chapter, so it was hard [to leave Everton].
"But I think when you put roots down somewhere and you make lifelong friends and you have great memories, that's always going to be there, and I'm always going to go back [to visit]. So I was excited for the new transition, you know? As sad as I was to leave, I'm so excited about what lies ahead for me in Denver."