Landon Donovan to offer analysis of U.S. team for ESPN during World Cup

Cover your ears, Juergen Klinsmann, because payback can be, well, you know.

ESPN has hired Landon Donovan, who was cut from the U.S. World Cup team by Klinsmann, to offer commentary on the U.S. team during the World Cup.

Donovan will make his debut during ESPN’s two-hour World Cup preview show Wednesday.

“Adding Landon to our ESPN roster just before the World Cup is a coup because he knows the United States team better than anyone having played such a huge role in its success, especially at this event,” said Jed Drake, ESPN’s executive producer for World Cup coverage. “Landon is also one of this country’s biggest sports stars, and we believe that he will help attract even more fans to our monthlong coverage.”

Donovan will provide analysis before and after the U.S. matches and during halftime.

“I am excited to be joining ESPN’s coverage of the 2014 World Cup from Los Angeles, and I look forward to working with the talented ESPN broadcasters to provide unique insights for our amazing U.S. soccer fans,” Donovan said.

“He’s a smart guy. He knows the game very well,” U.S. team member Jozy Altidore said. “It was always going to happen — right? — him to be a commentator.”