Tim Howard closer to decision on possible international retirement

Tim Howard hasn't decided his international future. There is a possibility the 35-year-old will retire from the United States, but he has yet to decide if he will do so, or if he will stay with the team through the 2018 World Cup.

"I'm slightly closer to a decision," Howard told ESPN. "What the team is capable of at Russia 2018 excites me, so it's tough. I just need to bounce a few ideas off some relevant people and make sure I have a clear decision on what path I want to go. It's very difficult because how I feel now, I'm not sure I'll feel [that way] in four years. But I also recognize that when I do make that decision I have to be certain, or at least as certain as I can be."

Howard said that he is not leaning one way or the other right now, but that he will talk to U.S. manager Jürgen Klinsmann as well as Everton manager Roberto Martinez before coming to a decision.

It would be perfectly normal for Howard to retire from international soccer at this point in his career. He signed a contract extension with Everton in the spring that will keep him at Goodison Park through 2018 and many players choose to focus on their club careers in their mid-30s because trying to play for both club and country wears on the body. If Howard doesn't think he can maintain his level of play without some extra rest, he will most likely quit the U.S.

Howard is coming off of his most famous match ever for his home country, setting a World Cup saves record in the round of 16, when he bailed the Americans out time and time again -- 16 times in total against Belgium. He was magnificent and earned the U.S. a chance at extra time, where the Americans ultimately lost, 2-1. Still, Howard's place in U.S. history was written and he came home a celebrity. Clearly, Howard can still cut it at the international level and balance both that and club play right now, but the question is whether he will be able to when he is 39 years old.

If Howard does decide to retire, the U.S. will still be in fine shape. Brad Guzan has been spectacular for Aston Villa, playing so well that most believe he has actually been better at the club level than Howard. He is more than capable of stepping in and taking over the No. 1 goalkeeper spot and, frankly, he may surpass Howard in the next four years if Howard does decide to keep playing for the Americans.

The U.S. is scheduled to play the Czech Republic in Prague on September 3, by which time Klinsmann will obviously be hoping that Howard has made a decision, but if he hasn't, it's no worry. That match is only a friendly and the U.S. has nothing but friendlies until next July, when they play in the Gold Cup. Klinsmann will want Howard to make a decision well ahead of that tournament so he can begin planning and prepping his team, but if Howard misses a few friendlies this fall as he decides his future, there will be no harm done.