One of the highlights for the US from their win in Basel was the return of Eddie Lewis.

The most capped man on the field looked fitter than many of the younger legs around him, turning in shifts in two familiar positions, left back and left wing.

It was seven years ago when Lewis left the San Jose Earthquakes for England, where he has played ever since, and a full 11 years since he first pulled on his country's jersey.

"I enjoyed it," Lewis told American Soccer Daily of his return to the US fold in Basel. "Switzerland is a good team and preparing for next summer (Euro 2008), so it was a good test and I am happy with the result."

The 33-year old was one of the USMNT's more active players at St. Jakob Park. He was sound in defense, reminded us what a cultured left foot he possesses in attack, and how exquisitely he can cross the ball and arrow in dangerous centers.

"I have played more games in midfield, so I am a bit more comfortable there," he admitted. "But I have played many games in defense for the US. Tonight and all week, that was certainly how I prepared. It's a fairly easy transition."

Lewis memorably earned his stripes as a flying winger for the States in Korea in 2002, supplying Landon Donovan with an inch-perfect cross to knock out Mexico in the Round of 16.

Four years later, the Californian was employed by Bruce Arena at left back in the finals in Germany. Following the emergence of Clint Dempsey on the international scene and the form of DaMarcus Beasley at PSV, flank jobs were limited, so Lewis stepped back to fill the spot vacated by the injured Cory Gibbs.

His last game for the US came at the end of their World Cup campaign against Ghana, and it seemed his omission from Bob Bradley's initial rosters implied the end of his playing days for his country.

Dark clouds in the form of Leeds' relegation to League One and the team's financial meltdown hovered over him, but Lewis insists he was never out of the picture, despite dropping down to England's third tier of soccer.

"No," he corrected. "I was due to come in for the Gold Cup in the summer, but I had an injury. Bob was always pretty up front with me."

Lewis finally left Leeds at the start of the season, but the beleaguered Elland Road club remains close to his heart.

"I'm happy that I left," he admitted. "But also happy that they're doing very well now and in good hands."

According to Lewis, his return to the top flight with Derby County was not a decisive factor in returning to international duty.

"It certainly did not hurt," he agreed. "Ideally, playing at the highest level and on a consistent basis can only help your chances, so certainly the fact I am playing in the Premier League again is good, but American players are still in and out of a lot of teams and those are the decisions that are up to Bob."

With 74 caps, eight goals and two World Cups under his belt, is Lewis aiming for more US glory? Not so fast.

"I really don't have any goals with the National Team," he admitted. "For me, my only goal has really been just to help the Federation and to help US Soccer and Bob in whatever capacity that might be."

"I have had some great discussions and I certainly wouldn't rule myself in or out of anything. If I am playing and playing well, I'd like nothing more than to be a part of things."

A once bright career which seemed to be slipping slowly underwater has come up for air again.

One of the US' most talented players of recent years, Lewis has been criticized in the past for staying too long at certain clubs: at Fulham, who introduced him as "The American Beckham" but then starved him of first team action, and at Leeds, where he found himself on a team in freefall.

But those chapters are closed. Lewis is once more playing for his country and for a Premier League team. For him and his fans, these are moments to savor.

As he delivered his parting quote, a smile crept across his face and a glint appeared in his eye. "These are good times, definitely. I have no complaints at the minute."

Fast Eddie is back.