01 September 2023 , 18:46
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New England Revolution midfielder Noel Buck has been called up to the England Under-19s squad, just days after United States head coach Gregg Berhalter heaped praise on the MLS star. Buck is eligible to play for both England and America through his father, who holds both American and British passports.
The England call-up will come as a blow to Berhalter, who recently expressed his fondness for the 18-year-old, whom he believes he will be a future star if he keeps on developing. Buck has impressed so far this season in MLS after earning regular minutes in the MLS team, which is pushing Cincinnati for the Eastern Conference title.
Buck has made 23 appearances for the Revolution this season with two goals and one assist to his name. The midfielder has become a regular starter but is currently easing back into action after suffering a leg injury.
Buck has made 23 appearances for the Revolution this season with two goals and one assist to his name. The midfielder has become a regular starter but is currently easing back into action after suffering a leg injury.
Despite missing five games of the MLS season with injury, Buck managed to catch the attention of USA boss Berhalter who spoke highly of the young star and admitted that England trying to secure his services is a compliment to his ability.
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“He’s been great. He’s been really strong,” Berhalter said when asked his thoughts on Buck. “I have spoken to him. There has been interest from England, which I think is great. Great achievement, when you have a country like England looking at you."
New England Revolution midfielder Noel Buck has made 23 appearances for the team this season (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)“I’ve communicated with him, told him that we see him as a player that can compete to make the World Cup team in 2026, based on what he’s doing now. We see - if he continues to develop at that rate - I’m sure he can be competitive and compete to be on the roster.”
Berhalter's comments come following his second spell managing the United States. The 49-year-old's first stint saw him guide the US to the 2022 World Cup where the team remained undefeated in their group stage games.
Their World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 after a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands. The exit coincided with Berhalter's contract expiring, which he chose not to renew.
Berhalter has since been rehired and will lead the team through to the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is being hosted on US soil and venues in cities across Mexico and Canada.
The USMNT boss' first exit came under a cloud of scrutiny after a rift between himself and midfielder Gio Reyna. The coach was also involved in an investigation into a domestic incident involving his wife back in the 1990s.
Berhalter has since apologised to each player on the team following the news. "I sent a note to each and every player and apologised for the way it got out," Berhalter told reporters in his first press conference since taking back the reins of the USA. "I felt if it hurt one player it was worth apologising to the entire group and that's what I did."
The United States are next in action when they play two friendly fixtures against Uzbekistan and Oman. Buck and the England Under-19s will play Germany and Switzerland next.