Noel Buck: "It's An Honor" To Be Called Into England Youth Camp
Buck: “I feel like they [U.S. Soccer] haven't really given me the time of day, to be completely honest. When I get called to an England camp, you know, it's an honor for me."
Noel Buck is excited to have an opportunity to represent England at the youth level after not getting much of a chance within the U.S. system.
Although Buck participated in a U.S. U-19 camp in July 2022, he hasn’t made an international appearance for the country at any level. Now he’s preparing to take part in a England U-19 camp held in Spain.
To mark the occasion, the 18-year-old midfielder wore a vintage England jersey to Saturday’s New England Revolution game.
“I feel like they [U.S. Soccer] haven't really given me the time of day, to be completely honest,” Buck told The Blazing Musket. “When I get called to an England camp, you know, it's an honor for me.”
“Wearing this shirt isn't a symbol of like, screw the US, because it’s not. They just haven't given me the time of day and I want to have a good time and really learn something [with the England U-19s].”
Buck was in contention to play for the U.S. at the U-20 World Cup, but didn’t make the final roster.
On Saturday, the Revs Homegrown said of his current status, “Maybe I’m a bit off from the senior [U.S.] team.”
Earlier this week, Buck confirmed that he had spoken to USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter. Buck summarized the conversation by saying, “It was just that I’m part of the project and I can possibly play for the team in the future.”
Buck also noted that he still considers his international future “up in the air” since he’s not currently cap-tied.
Buck, who is eligible for England and Wales because he holds a U.K. passport, will depart on Sunday to link up with the England U-19s ahead of a pair of friendlies.
The Three Lions will face Germany on Wednesday, September 6 (1:00 p.m. ET) then Switzerland on Saturday, September 9 (8:00 a.m. ET).
While Buck grew up in Arlington, MA, he’s proud of his English heritage, noting that his dad is “very English.” He added that his father loves everything about the sport.
“You know, everyone thinks I’m a fraud,” Buck said with a laugh when asked about the England shirt he wore on Saturday. “My dad has 12 of these jerseys. It’s not like I’m straight American. I do have some of the culture.“
“I mean, I eat beans on toast. Tell me who else eats beans on toast. Let’s be real here. I love beans on toast. People can talk but it will be a good experience for me. It’s just another experience where I can learn and get better.”
Buck doesn’t know if he’ll ever suit up for the full England National Team, but he’s happy to have an opportunity to play for the youth team.
“Besides talking a bit with Gregg, the U.S. haven’t really talked to me a whole lot,” Buck said. “There’s been some talks with the U-19s a year ago but other than that, not a whole lot. England have really shown some interest and I’m glad to take it.
“I know it’s just the U-19s and I’ve got a long way to got to play for the senior team, if at all, but I’m going to give it a go. What’s the harm in trying?”
The full audio of the conversation with Buck can be found on our YouTube page.
How he does great. He is a good young talent working through the ranks.
I hope he does himself proud. Beans on toast, indeed!