This summer and year have been hectic for Canada and it will get even busier with the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup beginning on Saturday, July 10, 2021. During 2021, they have appeared in six World Cup 2022 Qualifiers, four in the Group Stage, and two in the Finals.
Canada managed to qualify for next year's grand tournament with six successive wins, getting past Haiti 4-0 on aggregate in two legs in the Finals. Now they will be turning their attention to the upcoming Gold Cup.
The defending champions and 11-time winners of the Gold Cup are Mexico, but the CONCACAF heavyweights have managed to set a record of lifting the trophy every five years since the 2011 edition of the Gold Cup.
Canada's 2021 Gold Cup roster
With 11 players in the group with Gold Cup experience and numerous more with significant international experience to support the fresh faces on the team, the strong team is a blend of young people and experience.
Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies was suddenly ruled out through injury, meaning a huge loss for the Canucks. Davies' replacement hasn't been defined yet. The players' experience is still vital for John Herdman's team since 13 of Canada's players have yet to play 10 or fewer senior games. Let's take a look at Canada's 23-men squad:
Goalkeepers (3): Maxime Crepeau (Vancouver Whitecaps), Jayson Leutwiler (Oldham Athletic), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United).
Defenders (6): Doneil Henry (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), Alistair Johnston (Nashville SC), Scott Kennedy (Jahn Regensburg), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Kamal Miller (Montreal Impact), Steven Vitoria (Moreirense).
Midfielders (6): Stephen Eustaquio (Pacos de Ferreira), Liam Fraser (Columbus Crew), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Los Angeles FC), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Harry Paton (Ross County), Samuel Piette (Montreal Impact).
Forwards (7): Ayo Akinola (Toronto FC), Tajon Buchanan (New England Revolution), Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps), Theo Corbeanu (Wolves), Junior Hoilett (Unattached), Cyle Larin (Besiktas), Tyler Pasher (Houston Dynamo).
