Tim Ream was a surprise late addition to the U.S. national team’s World Cup roster. Among those who were surprised? Tim Ream.
Ream is in the midst of a stellar season in the Premier League with Fulham but it appeared his fate was sealed in September when he was omitted from the team’s roster for two friendlies.
USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter then appeared to deliver an epitaph on Ream’s national team career, saying that the veteran defender didn’t fit the style he was looking to play.
But when Berhalter named his World Cup roster earlier this month, Ream was there. It was his first call-up since September 2021.
“You don’t ever give up hope,” Ream said at a press conference. “You never completely say you’re out of the picture.”
But he added: “With not being involved, not being called in, you kind of start to make peace and accept where things are heading.”
But things have changed rapidly in recent weeks. Ream’s ascent is mostly due to his form at Fulham, but an injury that kept Chris Richards off the roster also helped the veteran’s chances.
“Two weeks ago I had a phone call with Gregg and things kind of took a turn for the better for me personally,” Ream said.
“I didn’t expect to be here,” he added. “To get a phone call from Gregg to invite me in and officially put me back in the squad is great. It’s something that we all dream of as a kid to be here, and to have that opportunity after the last year of being away, it’s a proud moment and a special feeling.”
At 35, Ream is the oldest player on a youthful U.S, roster by two and a half years. Tyler Adams joked that he and his teammates call Ream “grandpa,” but added that the defender’s experience was crucial in a team with an average age of 25 years, 175 days.
“Tim’s the grandpa of the group,” Adams said with a laugh. “It’s exciting to have him back. Obviously, his performances with Fulham this season so far speak for themselves.
“Not getting called into last camp for him was tough probably. But he’s been working hard and his performances earned him this position right now.
“He’s a crucial part to our team. I think at times we probably missed him in this team, his leadership, his quality that he has, just having someone of that experience and caliber in and around the group — it’s good to have him back.”
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