Yunus Musah has admitted he will be suffering mixed emotions when he lines up for the US against England in the World Cup tomorrow.
New York-born Musah represented England at Under-15 level through to Under-18s, but made the decision to represent the US at senior level in 2021. Musah’s decision was a big blow to Gareth Southgate, who had high hopes the midfielder - who also qualified to play for Italy and Ghana - would choose to represent England.
But the 19-year-old, who spent seven years at Arsenal's academy before joining Valencia in 2019, chose the US and revealed he did a great deal of soul-searching before committing himself to Gregg Berhalter's side.
Musah said it will be a strange experience lining up in the Al Byat Stadium against the country he moved to aged nine and one he admitted gave him so much in his formative years.
“I don't think I know how I'm going to feel,” said Musah. “But it's a special game, for sure, because I've played for both sides and to be able to be on the pitch with both national teams that I've played with is special.
“I made the decision because I was born in the US. That was one of the main things. “Also, to get the opportunity at such a young age was something that I wanted to take, so it was great when the manager called me and gave me that opportunity.”
Musah said he was forced to take the decision to leave Arsenal at the age of 16 because he could see a pathway for him to the first team. His move to Spain has been vindicated, with him becoming a regular starter at Valencia and an automatic pick for the US team.
“That was one of the reasons I chose to move to Spain,” said Musah. “I felt at the time - maybe we’ll never know - that I wasn’t able to be in the Arsenal first team so early.
“The team was really good but I felt at my age that I could play first-team football and there was the chance to move to Valencia. Things turned out great, so I’m very grateful for that.”
US keeper Matt Turner hailed his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka as one of the biggest talents at the World Cup, following his two goals in England’s 6-2 trouncing of Iran.
“It's clear he's one of the young stars of world football,” said Turner. “He's a top top player and you don't need me to tell anybody on our team how much of a threat he poses in the game.
“He's scoring in a variety of ways. He's developed, matured and got stronger, from what I understand, as I've only worked with him for a few months. We're looking forward to playing against familiar faces and, again, he's a really, really good player that can change any game he takes part in.”
USA stars to miss Thanksgiving celebrations
USA footballers will miss out on Thanksgiving celebrations on Thursday - as they prepare to face England in the World Cup.
Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in America, with families cooking turkeys and holding big parties to mark the major annual event. But the US players will have to forgo their celebrations this year to focus on their showdown with Gareth Southgate's side in Qatar - with a celebration planned the night after the England game.
US keeper Matt Turner, who plays for Arsenal, said: "Every Thanksgiving, about 30 or 40 of my family and friends gather at my mum and dad’s house in New Jersey. Mum and dad are actually here in Qatar, so that will be a bit different for those at home this time around, but I'm looking forward to having it many more times with them in the future."
US and Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who was born in the UK, said missing Thanksgiving was not a huge issue for him.
"For me, it's not really a big deal," said Carter-Vickers. "But for people whose families are here, on Saturday we're having a nice little Thanksgiving gathering, so I'll enjoy that."
