With another FIFA international window now closed the England U19 mens national team had a very disappointing showing for their last 3 Euro qualifiers. The young lions were held scoreless vs Montenegro and Austria in two 0-0 draws. England's third draw was to Wales in a 1-1 stalemate.
The window was particularly disappointing for New England Revolution midfielder Noel Buck. Buck who appeared for a brief 8 minute stint vs Wales did not see the field vs Montenegro or Austria. Buck made his England debut in September and had a respectable debut vs Germany with a header that went off the bar in a substitute appearance. Against Switzerland Buck was 1 of 4 England players to score in a 4-2 convincing win over the Swiss.
Perhaps the reason for Buck's limited minutes was the re-introduction of Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray. Gray who plays as a box to box midfielder similar to Buck played all 90 minutes in all 3 matches. Simon Rusk who is England's U19 manager is extremely high on the 17 year old from Leeds. Arsenal talisman Amario Cozier-Duberry was forced to withdraw from the team due to injury. The loss of Cozier-Duberry most definitely affected the young lions going forward.
Whatever the reason for the lack of goal scoring and cutting edge in the final third it looks like Buck was short changed minutes. Although Gray is extremely talented he has failed to produce any goal contributions so far in the EFL Championship for Leeds through 11 games. Noel Buck hit the ground running with England in September and for his minutes to completely drop off is a head scratcher. We will see if Buck can finish The MLS season strong as the New England Revolution limp into the playoffs. For Archie Gray and other U19 England nationals they will need to keep their form for future call-ups.
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