New England Revolution midfielder Noel Buck, 19, has frequently reiterated his ambitions to play in the English Premier League.
The Revolution’s homegrown product from Arlington has been tendered a unique opportunity to present himself to the discerning British soccer public and gain an international cap in the process.
Buck has been called up to compete for England’s Under-19 Men’s National Team for a pair of friendlies at Oliva Nova Sports Center in Valencia, Spain. England will face Germany on Wednesday and Switzerland on Sept. 9.
Buck will be in uniform when the Revolution (13-5-7) host Austin FC (9-12-5) of the Western Conference on Saturday night (7:30) at Gillette Stadium.
“I’ve been in talks with them a bit but there was nothing official until recently,” said Buck following Friday morning’s practice at the Revolution’s training facility in Foxboro.
“It is pretty cool and obviously a big honor for me and I’m really excited. We will see what the level is, but I’m obviously expecting a high level from a high group of players. These players will be the real deal and I think it will be a great experience for me.”
Buck holds a dual citizenship with the U.S. and Britian and, with the current call-up, he will have made the Under-19 scene on both sides of the Atlantic. Buck earned a call-up by the U.S. Men’s National Team to attend a developmental camp in July 2022 in Carson, Calif. Buck has not committed himself to either England of the U.S. in terms of his international career.
“My dad (Steven Buck) is very happy, obviously he is who I get my eligibility from,” said Buck. “I am looking forward to experiencing something new and it will be a situation that I have never been in before.
“Obviously the soccer will be something that I will find a few things about. But as a whole, it is a new experience and part of growing up and what not.”
The Revolution are in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference and will wrap up a busy run of three games in eight days against Austin FC.
The Revs opened the stretch with an 11th hour, 1-0, loss at CF Montreal on Aug. 26. The Revolution regrouped to beat a determined New York Red Bulls squad, 1-0, at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. Keeper Earl Edwards Jr. earned his first clean sheet in his third MLS start of the season.
Edwards was upgraded to the Revolution’s No. 1 keeper when MLS All-Star Djordje Petrovic transferred to Chelsea of the English Premier League.
“The preparations have been short with the quick turnaround,” said Revolution interim head coach Richie Williams. “We will be ready to play against a good Austin team.
“They have been a little up and down this season results wise but they still have a very good team. They have some really good attacking players we need to be aware of and have an understanding of how they are going to play.”
Williams, who has been the Revolution’s field manager in place of Bruce Arena since Aug. 1, had some good news to report on the injury front. Center back Andrew Farrell and left back DeJuan Jones are expected to return to the pitch against Austin. Striker Gustavo Bou’s rehab from a right leg injury is ahead of schedule and his status is questionable.