TIM HOWARD: A Premier League game in the USA is inevitable. It could be here within five years... and here's why it is a good idea

English soccer fans are slow to come around to certain ideas because the tradition of their clubs and the tradition of their game is so important to them. I feel that. I lived it.

There was opposition towards the introduction of VAR and there is opposition to the prospect of the Premier League coming to the United States. I know from my time in England that some people won't ever support that. But it is inevitable: we are going to see a Premier League game in America.

I have always felt that. It could happen in the next five years. And my message to English fans? It’s a good thing. It will only help the Premier League grow. It will help ensure the Premier League remains the best league in the world.

What makes it No 1? Teams can attract and pay the best players. In order to do that, you have to have higher revenue streams. In order for that to happen, TV deals have to keep going up. And for that to happen, you have to service those consumers - US fans, Asian fans, South American fans. 

They are all paying exorbitant fees to watch the Premier League. Now they want a piece of it.

Bosses at NBC Sports have vowed to keep 'pushing' to bring Premier League games to the USA

DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard thinks a game could be played in the US within five years

Manchester United fans at last summer's preseason game against Arsenal in New Jersey

That's part of the growth of any league. It’s unfortunate for those English fans who don’t want that. But you can't have it both ways.

That won’t stop the complaints, of course – about the environmental impact and about adding more travel to a congested calendar.

Players might not like it - I am an American who played in England… would I have wanted to come home for a league game? Probably not.

I would have grumbled about being tired and anything else I could come up with because players love excuses. But I would have done it anyway. That's the truth.

Players have powerful voices but players also fall into line. By their nature they're meant to be unified and strong as a group. If they are told to play an extra game or run the extra mile, they do it.

Jon Miller of NBC claimed that 'conversations' have taken place with the Premier League

Managers will moan, too – those battling for the title, or the top four, or to avoid relegation will all hang their hat on the loss of home advantage. And some US fans might not be on board, either. 

They want the Premier League to be completely authentic. They consume the Premier League in a very authentic way. But offer them the opportunity to see a regular season game in their home stadium and they would snap your hand off.

There was plenty of opposition when it emerged that NBA and NFL games might head abroad. No way would an NFL owner give up one of his eight home games. No way would the Knicks want to lose the advantage they enjoy at Madison Square Garden.

Premier League CEO Richard Masters said the 'door looks ajar' for games to be played abroad

Chelsea and Newcastle were among the teams to take part in last year's Summer Series 

Sure, English football is special and there are some American franchises who move around the country. 

But most teams here are firmly entrenched in their community, too - no one could tell me, for example, that Pittsburgh Steelers fans are any less passionate than Manchester United fans. Now, though, international games are just part of the sports calendar and they are successful.

Now it’s an afterthought. Now teams go over and the fans and owners are excited. Now we see how amazing the events are at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or at Wembley.

I was in London all the time when the NBA was there. And you know that if a Premier League game was in the US, the atmosphere would be incredible. America’s ability to showcase sports in big stadiums is like nothing else. It wouldn’t have to be a 39th game - I am an analyst on NBC and the network's idea of holding the first game of the season abroad certainly makes sense.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas (pictured) has said he wants to stage a Spanish game in the USA

So many teams are already coming to America for preseason. Last year’s Summer Series was incredible for the clubs involved, for the fans, and for us as broadcasters.

Teams would already be acclimated so why not play the first game here? You still have to go back to the UK no matter what. It’s really no different.

Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, hopes to bring competitive games to the US as early as 2025-26. If that happens, and it is successful, that certainly helps bridge the gap to the Premier League.

Fans over here are incredibly passionate about English football and I know they will pay homage to what the Premier League truly is. That brings opportunities - for sold out crowds, and for a great experience for the players and the clubs.