While most U.S. Supporters are waiting for World Cup qualifying to resume, there are those who know the FIFA Confederations Cup is looming.  After two quick games in early June against Costa Rica and Honduras, the U.S. will travel to South Africa.

Meant as a gauge for the host country of the upcoming World Cup, South Africa, this tournament will also give some insight to the preparedness of some of the participating teams. Specifically this will show how ready the U.S. is, as they will take Italy, the 2006 World Cup winner, Brazil, the reigning Confederations Cup champions and an Egyptian squad. The U.S. will open its play against Italy on June 15^th.

With a challenging group of opponents such as those, it should be expected that coach Bob Bradley will be bringing a experienced and battle tested squad with him. Considering all of that, here is a look at the possible 23-man roster headed to South Africa.

GOALKEEPERS – Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Troy Perkins

Howard starting in the net goes without question.  Guzan will fill in at his usual back-up role. Perkins has seen some time in national team training camps of late but has only appeared once, in a 3-2 win over Sweden during an international friendly in January. Although his performance was average, he gets the nod over the veteran Marcus Hahnemann for the third keeper spot.

DEFENDERS – Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Frankie Hejduk, Jonathan Spector, Dan Califf, Jay DeMerit, Michael Parkhurst, Jonathan Bornstein

Onyewu and Bocanegra will handle the central defender roles. Who starts on either side of them will be a question for Bradley to consider. Although Hejduk has been recovering from a hamstring injury of late, he should be ready to go; so it’s safe to pencil him in at the right back position. With Steve Cherundolo out until the middle of June after hip surgery, this opens the door for Spector, who recently returned from injury and is back playing with West Ham United. Califf has been a regular starter this season for FC Midtjylland and is in good form. With a recent demotion to the reserve squad at Hansa Rostock, Heath Pearce should be left at home to regain his form.

MIDFIELDERS – Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, DeMarcus Beasley, Jose Francisco Torres, Maurice Edu, Pablo Mastroeni, Freddy Adu

Bradley continues his maturation in Germany and is a lock for a starting midfield spot. Whether it’s up top or on the wing Dempsey should be starting as well. Beasley could be listed with the defenders after his start at left back versus Trinidad and Tobago, so we’ll wait and see what coach Bradley does him. Torres has looked solid in limited action so far; it will be interesting to see how he fares against the talented midfields the U.S. will face. Finally receiving consistent playing time with Rangers F.C., let’s see if Edu can finally put it together on the national stage. After a good showing versus Trinidad and Tobago, Mastroeni should come along for his veteran leadership, that will be certainly be needed. Considering the kind of play that the U.S. will be going up against, Adu is the surprise choice here.  Whether he gets the chance to showcase that remains to be seen. Whatever is going on with Sacha Kljestan remains to be known, until then he stays with Chivas.

FORWARDS – Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Charlie Davies, Kenny Cooper

Donovan is a given, like Dempsey, whether it’s at the forward position or out on the wing, he’ll play. A toe injury may slow down Altidore, but after his recent play for the national team there is no way that he doesn’t get the chance to see how well he can do at this level. Ching will likely partner with Donovan or Altidore up top, as the holding forward and another veteran leader on the squad. Even though Eddie Johnson has been getting more playing time with Cardiff lately, Davies gets the spot here.

The U.S. will certainly be tested in South Africa. Coach Bradley brings with him the line-up that has brought him success of late, as well as a few players who can counter the style and characteristics of the opposition.

Thoughts on this squad?  Is this the best team for the tournament?  Is there someone who deserves to be here that is not?