Defender Chris Richards has been named in the United States starting lineup for their World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday, putting to rest concerns over his fitness after he had been nursing an ankle injury in the buildup to the tournament.

Richards' inclusion in the first eleven signals that the key centre-back has recovered sufficiently to take his place in the heart of the U.S. defence for one of the most important fixtures in recent American football history.

The timing of his return is a significant boost for the United States, who will rely on Richards' experience and defensive solidity as they look to make a strong start to their home World Cup campaign.