Everton keeper Tim Howard met up with Hollywood action hero Jason Statham on US show Good Morning America before revealing he is ready to return to international duty.
The former US No 1 was obviously impressed by the English actor, who has appeared in films including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Transporter, as he posted an Instagram picture of the pair with the caption: ‘Jason Statham is one bad dude’.
Howard become a household name during America’s run to the 2014 World Cup last 16, where they lost to Belgium despite the 36-year-old making a record 15 saves during the match.
Tim Howard posted an Instagram picture of his meeting with British movie star Jason Statham
The Everton keeper has announced he is ready to return to international football with the US
Howard and Statham speak in front of crowds outside the TV studio in New York
The 36-year-old keeper has released his autobiography telling of overcoming odds to reach his dream
The former Manchester United stopper announced he wanted to take a break after tournament but says he is now hoping to return to the national side ahead of next summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Speaking on the ABC’s breakfast show, he said: ‘I took a year off to spend more time with my family and its been good. Hopefully when September comes I’ll be back in the fold.’
Howard was plugging his new autobiography, titled The Keeper, which tells how he overcame the odds, which included being brought up by an ‘amazing’ single mother, to become one of the game’s best goalkeepers.
Howard has earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best keepers during his time at Everton
The US No 1 made a record 15 saves as his side were beaten by Belgium at the 2014 World Cuo
The shot stopper also commented on the current scandal engulfing FIFA following the resignation of heavily scrutinised president Sepp Blatter on Tuesday.
‘We want things to be fair. FIFA preaches fairplay so it will be interesting to see what comes out but hopefully it gets cleaned up,’ he said.
‘Sometimes this is what has to happen in order for change,’ he added.
