Yunus Musah eager to play against England at the World Cup
The United States men’s national team midfielder declined to play for the Three Lions because he chose to represent the Stars and Stripes.
Yunus Musah could be one of the breakout stars for the United States men’s national team during the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Valencia midfielder joined the USMNT’s training camp on Monday in Qatar alongside with all the players that were called up for the tournament that play in Europe’s top tier.
Musah on the England match
Musah’s case is very special because he declined the opportunity to play for England at international level, because he chose to represent the United States. After making that decision in 2020, fate wanted Musah to play against the Three Lions in the most important sporting event across the world and he is ready to make an impact for the USMNT.
“Rather than being nervous, I am very happy to have this great opportunity to play in a World Cup,” he said. “A lot of great players haven’t been able to play in one. I’m happier than nervous. I didn’t think it would come around so quickly. I’m only 19 years old and I’m getting to play in a World Cup. I am very excited about it.
“It’s clear that it will be a special match. I played for England in the youth categories and I always did it with all my love and responsibility. I played with teammates and now we will be rivals. But I feel very proud to have defended those colors. Now I defend those of the US and I will do it with the same enthusiasm and professionalism. I ask God to help us and that my selection goes as well possible.”
The American head coach Gregg Berhalter has the full 26-player roster available ahead of their opening match against Wales on 21 November. Musah will be a key player for the USMNT in the midfield and most likely he will be playing alongside Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams in the 4-3-3 formation that Berhalter has been using since taking over the job in 2018.