Alexi Lalas suggests Arsenal star Folarin Balogun may not walk into the USMNT as 'just because players' pedigree was good doesn't necessarily mean they live up to it' and warns other strikers could 'challenge him'

Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas has opened up on whether he thinks that New York City-born, Ligue 1 striker Folarin Balogun would live up to the hype if he committed to the Star and Stripes.

Speaking on the latest episode of his State of the Union Podcast on Wednesday, the Fox Sports analyst was asked if he thinks USMNT officials are 'just renting the spot' to other eligible American strikers until Balogun switches allegiances, having previously represented England at youth level.

'I mean, so talk about anointing, right? I mean, it's as if, basically, he has a starting position.