Josh Sargent is on track to make the US squad for the World Cup after his blistering goalscoring start to the season at Norwich City.

Sargent made his first international appearance since September 2021 as a second half substitute in a 2-0 friendly defeat against Japan in Germany on Friday afternoon.

Daichi Kamada and Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma sealed the victory against a US squad ranked 10 places higher in the latest Fifa world rankings.

Sargent replaced Gio Reyna at the interval but had limited chance to impress in a central striking role, with Japan dominating territory and possession.

The 22-year-old has notched six Championship goals, after grabbing his chance to spearhead the Canaries' attack, before Teemu Pukki's return to the goal trail.

Now US boss Gregg Berhalter admitted before the Japan test he likes what he sees from the new-improved Sargent, with the squad now moving on to face Saudi Arabia next Tuesday in their final World Cup warm up.

The US have been drawn in the same group as England, Wales and Iran in Qatar.

“He looks great,” said Berhalter. “Confidence is a big thing but also strength: He’s gotten bigger, he’s gotten stronger, gotten quicker, more decisive with his movements. He’s looked really good in training, and it’s been good to have him in camp.

"He’s had a tough road but now it shows what he can do when he’s in form.”

Sargent himself revealed he wanted to bulk up after a bruising debut season for the Canaries in a Premier League relegation scrap.

"I realised these guys are pretty big and strong in the Prem, so I made it a goal of mine to hit the gym a bit more and try to work on that," he said. "I don't want to brag or anything, but during my injury at the end of last season, I kind of made it a goal for myself and with the athletic department at Norwich."

Sargent is one of three Norwich players who could be in international action later on Friday. Strike rival Pukki is part of the Finland squad for a Nations League home game against Romania.

Marcelino Nunez is in the Chile set up for a friendly against Morocco to be played in Barcelona.