Chris Richards races to be ready as US count down to World Cup opener: ‘I have to make it’

• Richards back in full training before first match

• Center-back feared worst after Palace ankle injury

• US face Paraguay in high-pressure Group D start

If it was up to Chris Richards, he'd be in the lineup when the United States opens Group D action against Paraguay.

The center-back is among the most important players on the squad, the clear lead defender among a deep corps of options. When he exited Crystal Palace's second-to-last Premier League fixture with an ankle injury, anxiety spiked that Mauricio Pochettino's side would enter the tournament without their bedrock. Richards was as tense as anybody, admitting his ankle was so swollen after the hit that he braced for the worst - again.