American goalkeeper Tim Howard will play the second group match against Slovenia on Friday, U.S. Soccer said in a statement on Monday.

U.S. team medical staff examined Howard Monday and decided no further tests were needed on his bruised ribs. Howard is making "substantial improvement" following a collision with Emile Heskey in Saturday night's 1-1 draw against England.

It's good news for the American team, which are tied with England for second place in Group C.

"When you see the way Timmy handled himself after the collision last night, you'd certainly expect he'll be on the field again," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said on Sunday.

Howard has become one of the world's top goalkeepers at Everton, and he is the cornerstone of the U.S. team. The Americans have won 31 of his 52 appearances, including last year's upset of top-ranked Spain in the Confederations Cup.

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