FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution Homegrown Player Noel Buck says his father was delighted to learn the news of the midfielder’s England Under-19s call-up.
The Revs Academy graduate has earned his first selection with the Three Lions, eligible by his dual citizenship with his dad Steve hailing from the United Kingdom.
Impressing for his hometown club, the Arlington, Mass., native and Revolution 2021 Academy Player of the Year has been named in Simon Rusk’s 24-player roster for September’s friendlies against Germany and Switzerland in Spain, in preparation for October’s 2024 UEFA U19 EURO qualifiers.
Reflecting on the achievement, Buck expressed his excitement to embark on a new challenge, and spoke of his father’s pride for the prospect of seeing his son represent his home country.
“I’m really excited,” the 18-year-old Revolution star declared. “It’s pretty cool, and obviously a big honor for me.
“My dad is very happy! Obviously, he’s where I get my eligibility from.
“I’d been in talks a bit, but there was nothing official until recently. Obviously, I had to find out a little bit before because I must fly all the way over there.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing something new – it will be a situation that I’ve never been in before.
“I have to show what I’ve got and hopefully, I can do that.”
Lining up alongside some of England’s brightest young stars, including the likes of Sunderland AFC’s Jobe Bellingham, Buck is relishing the chance to showcase his talents, and grasp whatever lessons he can from the experience.
Having demonstrated his quality and versatility for New England throughout the season, tallying 18 starts, two goals and one assist in MLS play for his hometown team, the teenager is ready to shine in the England midfield.
“I think it will be a great experience for me,” he continued. “We will see what the level is … I’m obviously expecting a high-level group of players – all these players will be the real deal.
“I’ll find out a few things about the soccer, but I think as a whole, it will be a new experience and that’s part of growing up, trying to experience all these new situations and whatnot.
“I’ve chatted a bit with the coach [Rusk], and I think they want me to play my position, which is an eight or a six, or just somewhere in the midfield, which is where I prefer to play.
“I’m not sure if I’ll start or if I won’t. I think I have to prove myself, and really prove that I can be on the field.”
Buck had previously represented the United States U-19s squad, and has already caught the attention of senior USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter.
The former Stars and Stripes defender spoke highly of the Revs midfielder earlier this week, noting the New England Homegrown Player was on his radar and expressing his hopes to see the youngster make the USA’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Though Buck will don the England Youth Team jersey this month, the teenager asserts he has not closed the door on choosing to represent the USMNT when the time comes to make his decision.
“I'm not currently cap-tied,” he explained. “So, it’s still up in the air. I chatted with Gregg a little bit ago.
“It was just that I'm part of the project, and can possibly play for the team in the future. That was basically the whole conversation.”
New England assistant coach Richie Williams also shared his thoughts on the news, adding he believes Buck has the ability to hit new heights as he gains more international experience.
“It’s great,” he stated. “It’s great for Noel, and we’re extremely happy for anybody that gets called in to the national teams.
“He’s a really good young player. He has done tremendously well for us so far and continues to develop, and he’s going to have a great opportunity to go and play with the England U-19s.
“We wish him the best of luck and it’s only going to help him become a better player.”
England U-19s face Germany on Wednesday, September 6 (1 p.m. ET) before closing the week with a match against Switzerland on Saturday, September 9 (8 a.m. ET).
Good luck, Noel!
