Noel Buck Earns Call-Up to English U-19s: "I’ll Have to Show What I’ve Got"

"All these players will be the real deal and I think it’ll be a great experience for me.”

Photo By: © J. Alexander Dolan

The battle for Noel Buck’s international future is underway as the New England Revolution midfielder was called into the English U-19 National Team for a pair of international friendlies.

The call-up comes after Buck was a part of the U.S. U-19 camp in July of 2022 but missed out on the U-20 World Cup squad this year. The youngster said that he is honored to be able to represent the Three Lions.

It’s pretty cool,” Buck said. “It’s obviously a big honor for me and I’m really excited.”

Buck is eligible for the squad thanks to his father who is very excited about the call-up.

“My dad is very happy,” the 18-year-old said. “He’s where I get my eligibility from. I’m looking forward to just experiencing something new. It’ll be a situation I’ve never been in before. I’ll find out a few things about the soccer, but I think as a whole, it’ll be a new experience and part of growing up. I’m trying to experience all these new situations and what not.”

The 18-year-old has found his footing in MLS and has made a name for himself. In 24 matches he has tallied two goals and an assist. Beyond the stats, Buck has been impressive on the ball and has also proven to be a quality defender.

But playing with the English U-19s will be a test for the midfielder. Playing alongside the likes of Jobe Bellingham, Buck’s skill will be tested.

While Buck acknowledged that he is expecting some high-quality players, he will also hope to show that he is right up there with them.

“We will see what the level is,” the youngster stated. “I’m obviously expecting a high-level group of players. All these players will be the real deal and I think it’ll be a great experience for me.”

Prior to Buck being called up, United States Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter discussed Buck’s future involvement in the USMNT leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

“He’s been great. He’s been really strong,” Berhalter said. “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.

The 18-year-old said that he talked to Berhalter about his future role while also stating that he isn’t committed to playing for England or the United States.

“I’m not currently cap tied, so it’s still up in the air,” Buck said of his international allegiance. “I chatted with Gregg [Berhalter] a little bit ago. It was just that I’m part of the project and I can possibly play for the team in the future. That was basically the whole conversation.”

Buck will look to play in the matches against Germany and Switzerland. It is a great opportunity to prove himself and get even more attention from European squads.

The midfielder has attracted the interest of English squads according to Tom Bogert and getting called into the youth national team should only add to that. A good showing and continued success in MLS could mean that Buck ends up being yet another player to move across the pond.