The battle is officially on for Noel Buck.
The New England Revolution midfielder has accepted a call-up to England’s U-19 side for upcoming friendlies against Germany and Switzerland.
Buck, 18, has been one of the breakout stars of the MLS season, becoming a regular for New England while showing his versatility by playing a variety of midfield positions.
Though born and raised in the U.S., Buck has a UK passport through his father and is therefore eligible for England and Wales.
Buck was called into camp with the U.S. U-19 side in July but was left off the U-20 World Cup roster in May.
After his World Cup snub, Buck said: “It would have been really cool [to make the roster] but I’m happy where I am. If I was going to go and not play, what’s the point really? I’m playing now and I’m getting better and getting a lot of experience here. I’m on a roll, why would I stop?”
USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter spoke highly of Buck this week after naming his roster for September friendlies against Uzbekistan and Oman.
“He’s been great. He’s been really strong,” said Berhalter. “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.
“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.”
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