Friday Fulham Stuff - 25/11/22...

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Prolific Aleksandar Mitrovic eyes next challenge after destroying Premier League myth

WORLD CUP 2022 PREVIEW - SERBIA: Aleksandar Mitrovic and co. will entertain red-hot favourites Brazil on Thursday, but there are major concerns over the fitness of their in-form strike duo

When it comes to Serbia's World Cup hopes, it's hard to look beyond their potent frontline.

More than a few countries will be looking on with envy at the tandem of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic. On paper, that duo alone should give Serbia the scope to emerge as a potential dark horse in Qatar over the coming weeks.

But unfortunately for national team boss Dragan Stojkovic, both of his star strikers have been plagued by injury ahead of the tournament and are believed to be far from 100 per cent with Thursday's seismic showdown with Brazil now looming large.

Mitrovic's importance to Serbia cannot be understated: the fact that the Fulham striker has been included in his nation's World Cup squad even though there have been major concerns over his fitness in recent weeks speaks volumes.

The 28-year-old striker, who has plundered a remarkable 50 goals in 76 games for his country, has been playing with two broken bones in his foot ever since he first sustained an injury on international duty back in September. Unsurprisingly, that has now exacted its toll on the former Newcastle ace - but Stokjovic insisted that his star man would head to Qatar "with one foot" last week.

Missing out on the tournament would have been a major blow for Mitrovic, who has silenced his critics off the back of a fine start to the season with Fulham. The hitman was used sparingly by Scott Parker as the Londoners slumped back into the football league the year before last, but Mitrovic has now debunked the myth that he cannot score in the Premier League after plundering nine goals in just 12 league games.

The goals may have dried up for Vlahovic since his mega-bucks move to Juventus, but Serbia will be hoping that he, like Mitrovic, can find form. Mitrovic himself has already likened Vlahovic to Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland - insisting that "Haaland and Vlahovic will be the strikers of the next decade."

Vlahovic has scored 50 goals over the course of the past two seasons with Juve and his old club Fiorentina but had missed a number of games because of a groin issue.

The 22-year-old returned in style last week, where he capped an imperious display against Bahrain by notching one goal and two assists; Serbia will be relying on him to continue in that vein going forward given that he seems to be ahead of Mitrovic in terms of fitness right now.

Former Southampton favourite Dusan Tadic is also likely to have a big say on Serbia's hopes of exercising the demons of Russia 2018, where they failed to make it beyond the group stage.

The attacking midfielder, who is also the Serbian captain, has been in inspired form since ditching the Premier League outfit to join Ajax back in 2019 and is still something of a talisman for the national team despite a rollercoaster few years.

Tadic could line up alongside Serbia's deadly duo or pull the strings from an advanced role ahead of Lazio playmaker Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - another player who has been extensively linked with a move to the Premier League.

Filip Kostic is another player who has the quality to help propel Serbia into the knockout stages of the competition; particularly if he is given the opportunity to link up with his Juventus teammate, Vlahovic.

Few countries boast the kind of depth and quality that Serbia have in terms of attacking players. That should stand them in good stead as they bid to qualify from Group G. Defensively, however, there are concerns. In some ways, they are eerily similar to their first opponents Brazil: a top-heavy side who nobody will relish coming up against but susceptible to shipping goals. Their showdown on Thursday has the potential to become one of the most memorable matches of the entire tournament.

Obviously much will hinge on how match-ready the likes of Mitrovic and Vlahovic are, but Serbia have the scope to progress to the knockout stages from a tricky group.

Few teams will envy the prospect of playing them beyond that - even if they are not, realistically, a contender for the coveted Jules Rimet trophy.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/world-cup-preview-serbia-mitrovic-28545032

[WhiteJC]

Has Rodrigo Muniz got a future at Fulham? Here's how he has done so far at Middlesbrough

Rodrigo Muniz arrived at Middlesbrough in the summer as part of a season-long loan agreement from Fulham. 

Muniz was expected to play a massive part in Middlesbrough's push for promotion from the Championship under Chris Wilder with the Brazilian being subject of interest for virtually the entire summer.

It was a slow start to life for Muniz at Boro as he was unavailable for the first five games of the season. After that, the 21-year-old seemed to find his groove, scoring in two of his next three games.

That's where his goalscoring form ends though, as he's not found the back of the net in 12 matches and has been used sparingly under new boss Michael Carrick so far. The loanee has started just one game under Carrick so far and will be hoping the World Cup break is his chance to impress his new manager.

Muniz will be disappointed with his performances so far. Middlesbrough have been a side that have created an abundance of chances all season with their players being wasteful in front of goal and sadly Muniz falls into that category.

Boro have the second highest xG according to FBREF which means they are creating good quality chances. They sit just behind Sheffield United, and ahead of the likes of Norwich and Burnley.

There has been a chronic level of underperformance in the final third, a habit which thwarted the promotion efforts last season, and it's something Carrick will be hoping to address. Getting players scoring, especially young players like Muniz is a difficult task considering they're so early on in their development adding a layer of complexity for Carrick.

Muniz has been another player who has underperformed in front of goal though, as his two goals from an xG of 3.1 showcases that. He needs to be getting into better positions to put the ball in the back of the net, you only have to look at Chuba Akpom as an example of a player in good form, finishing well and getting into good areas.

For comparison, his eight goals have come from an xG of 6.9 which shows how clinical he is being, as well as the areas of the box he's getting into to put chances away.

Muniz has a lot to learn, but at 21, he's still young and will most certainly improve.

But does he have a future at Fulham? 

Fulham paid a lot of money for Muniz and signed a five year contract when joining suggesting the Cottagers see him as a long-term option.

However, his form at Middlesbrough will be of a major concern for Marco Silva and co as they seek to find the best place for him to develop. As mention, Boro are creating an abundance of chances per game, so it's only a case of fine tuning Muniz's game to make him hungrier and more clinical for goals.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/has-rodrigo-muniz-got-a-future-at-fulham-heres-how-he-has-done-so-far-at-middlesbrough/

[WhiteJC]

Sunday was special but it should just be the start
Sometimes words feel insufficient. Being there to see Fulham Women play again at Craven Cottage on Sunday was something else. Watching Georgia Heasman clinically convert Helen Ogle's cross to a cacophony of cheers from the Johnny Haynes brought happy tears streaming down my face. Seeing those wonderful role models in black and white cheered even after defeat at the hands of a clinical AFC Wimbledon outfit warmed the heart: as did the brilliant scenes of young girls telling their sheroes that they loved them. Surely, it won't take another two decades for the women Whites to play on the hallowed turf.

Heasman told Dan after the final whistle that showing young girls that football was for them was one of the team's objectives. They certainly achieved that. For a fifth tier side to attract more than 3,000 fans on an afternoon when there was a massive London derby in the WSL mile a couple of miles away as well as the first men's World Cup fixture was remarkable. If Fulham's top brass were surprised by the support for Steve Jaye's side, they shouldn't be. The team have attracted a hardy band of followers in the past few seasons with little promotion prior to their acceptance back into the club's academy. Imagine what they'd achieve with more visibility.

There will be lessons to learn for Jaye and the players from the way Wimbledon ruthlessly took their chances to progress to the third round of the Capital Club, but Fulham should also start planning now how they can make the most of a captive audience for the women's game. It was disappointing that none of the illustrious names from Fulham Women's past were at the Cottage. Rachel Yankey would have been received rapturously on the pitch at half time, for instance. The closest we got was hearing from Siobhan Chamberlain on the concourse screens as she provided pre-World Cup punditry for Sky Sports News. The Lionesses goalkeeper, whose playing days started and finished in Bishop's Park, would surely have preferred to join the FFCTV coverage of an historic occasion for her home club.

There was no mention of Fulham's partnership with Her Game Too in an otherwise well-produced free programme, although I understand the club's Her Game Too ambassador Amelia Armstrong oversaw a social media takeover from the press box. Likewise, the groundbreaking work of the Fulham Lillies, set up in the summer, went unremarked as did the FA's Women's Game Review and the FSA's projects that have brought thousands of women and girls back to the football. Since Craven Cottage hosted the first Fans Europe women's football summit last month, the club can't claim ignorance on these issues – and promotion of the inclusivity of London's oldest football club might even have delivered revenue from progressive partners.

A tier five side still needs support to reach the heights identified by the brilliantly bold Chloe Christinson-McNee on our The Green Pole podcast. Fulham's side are entirely amateur, spread between students and stalwarts who had played the game for a decade, and have to balance their football commitments with full-time jobs as well as families. Women undoubtedly face far more barriers to sporting success than their male counterparts – and levelling the playing field should be precisely what Fulham Football Club stands for. The integration of an under-18 side into the women's set-up is already baring fruit, witness Alex Hayman scoring her first goal for the senior side in the FA Cup recently, the emergence of Ede Buchele and the impressive strides shown by Ilana Harris-Walters since the summer. Financial support is part of it, but the fans can play a role between now and the end of the campaign, too.

The programme advertised Fulham's next home game, to be staged at Motspur Park, against Dulwich Hamlet on Sunday 4 December. But if Jaye's side are to shake up the race for the only promotion place they will need support away from home as well. The first opportunity is this Sunday when the Whites travel to league leaders Millwall at St. Paul's Ground in Rotherhithe. As with women's football nationally, the fans will have to take the first steps themselves – and be the change we want to see. I'm sure the Fulham family can rise to the challenge.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/11/sunday-was-special-but-it-should-just-be-the-start/

[WhiteJC]

Italian giants Inter Milan join race to sign Bristol City and Fulham target

Bristol City are in competition with three-time Champions League winners Inter Milan for a new centre-back.

Bristol City could face stiff competition in their reported pursuit of Torino centre-back Kofi Djidji after they were joined by three-times Champions League winners Inter Milan. The Robins along with Fulham and Belgian side Anderlecht were linked with a move for the defender last week.

Tuttosport, an outlet based in Turin, the city in which Djidji's club Torino play in, revealed that he is a target for Inter Milan. Simone Inzaghi would prefer to pursue him on a free transfer than sign him for a fee in January.

Djidji has played 14 times this season, playing 13 times in Serie A. He has featured in most of their matches and has only been an unused substitute on three occasions this term. Torino are currently ninth in the Italian top flight, with six wins, six defeats andt three draws.

City's current system sees them play with three centre-backs, which is a system that Djidji has played in for his current club. Inter Milan also play with three centre-backs and would look to add him to add depth to their backline.

At times during the current campaign, City have struggled with options at the back with a long-term injury for Tomas Kalas. Kalas had been out for seven months and made a return, but was back on the sidelines after just two cameo appearances. Kal Naismith, signed on a free transfer from Luton Town, also missed the last month of action after picking up a calf injury versus Coventry.

Fulham have been linked with a move for the 29-year-old since May, but a move to Craven Cottage didn't take place in the summer. The Cottagers opted to sign Issa Dipp from West Ham United for an undisclosed fee instead.

There are 39 days until the January transfer window opens and Nigel Pearson wants to do business but admitted earlier this month that players will need to be moved on if any business is to be done. The Championship season is currently paused but plans are afoot for when the league returns and there being one eye on January.



https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-city/italian-giants-inter-milan-join-race-to-sign-bristol-city-and-fulham-target-3930382

[WhiteJC]

Club not 'excited' with Fulham's transfer offer – Believe he'll be worth more next summer

Earlier this week, reports from the Brazilian media claimed São Paulo are 'close to convincing' Fulham to delay the transfer of Pablo Maia.

Even though the Whites are willing to have the midfielder in January, it was said the Tricolor would rather only send him in the middle of the year, as that would allow them to have more time to find a replacement.

It's well known Fulham had a bid of €7.5m turned down, and it was now claimed that they now reached the €10m request made by São Paulo.

As Globo Esporte today features a story about the midfielder, they point out another reason why Maia should stay for a few more months.

Without mentioning this new bid of over €10m, they claim Fulham had previously made a €7.5m attempt which São Paulo did 'not get excited with'. Then it's said the Brazilian club believe the player could actually be more highly valued in the middle of the year.

So if the Whites are indeed close to a deal with the Tricolor, they better shake hands now and accept taking the player in June, because it seems Maia could get more expensive depending on how he does at the start of the Brazilian season next year.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-not-excited-fulhams-transfer-offer-believe-hell-worth-next-summer/

[WhiteJC]

Odoi: 'Being at the World Cup is crazy'
There's a lovely little future on former Fulham defender Denis Odoi's remarkable route to the World Cup finals with Ghana on the Daily Mail website.

Our loveable utility man left Craven Cottage as a Belgian international but, after starring since returning to his homeland with Club Brugge, Odoi has switched his international allegiance to the Black Stars and is set to feature against Portugal this afternon.

He tells the Mail:

    'I'm living in the moment but at the same time it's a bit crazy what's happening to me. I still speak to Fulham team-mates like Harrison Reed, Neeskens Kebano and Bobby Decordova-Reed. They are like "Oh, so the Champions League was easy for you and now you're Mr World Cup as well!

Odoi admits that he doesn't have as much Ghanaian heritage as other members of the Black Stars squad, but is looking forward to trying to exact revenge following their 2010 exit at the hands of Uruguay.

    "People want revenge for what happened. The players as well, particularly guys like Andre Ayew who was in that squad. He will make sure the younger ones are aware of what it's about. The Ghanaians want redemption and justice for that."

    He hopes that his compatriots can make Ghana proud.

    "I think the Ghana people expect us to qualify for the next round and that's how we need to think as players. I know from Brugge that if you've got a good group, you can beat so-called bigger teams with bigger names. We need to stand together and not go into games as individuals. It's another ambition I'm about to achieve. I grew up in Belgium watching Match of the Day and ended up playing in the Premier League. Now I'm in the World Cup with Ronaldo."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/11/odoi-being-at-the-world-cup-is-crazy/

[WhiteJC]

Brazil 'will struggle to stop Mitrovic', says Pereira
Andreas Pereira has backed Aleksandar Mitrovic to shine at the World Cup starting with this evening's game against Brazil.

The former Manchester United midfielder used an interview with Brazilian publication Globo Esporte to warn his compatriots about the potency of Serbia's record goalscorer. Pereira, in superb form himself prior to the pause in the Premier League campaign earlier this month, said:

    "I only have praise for him. Mitrovic is a sensational guy, he welcomed me very well at the club. I spoke to him after the last game against Manchester United, wishing him luck in the World Cup. He is an exemplary guy, fine person. I'm sure Brazil will have a hard time stopping him. He likes Brazilians, speaks Portuguese, speaks not only to me, but to Willian, to Carlos Vinicius. He and Milinkovic-Savic are very nice people.

    The guys know how to suffer. It is a physically very strong team. Brazil cannot fool around, thinking that Serbia is just any other team, because I think it can be a very difficult team to beat."

Unlike Mitrovic, who is set to lead the line for Serbia tonight after taking a full part in this week's training sessions, Fulham's Brazilian trio are resting ahead of their return to training at Motspur Park in December. Pereira, who was capped just once in 2018, whilst Willian – who featured in Brazil's last two World Cup campaigns – wasn't considered despite his sparkling displays since joining the Whites and Carlos Vinicius has yet to come into contention for the senior squad.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/11/brazil-will-struggle-to-stop-mitrovic-says-pereira/

[WhiteJC]

FFCW Supporters Event Recap In The Flag

Last Sunday, Fulham FC Foundation had the chance to thank our monthly donors at an event hosted in The Flag at Craven Cottage. These donors, members of the Supporter of the Foundation programme have an immense impact on the mission, vision, and activities of the Fulham FC Foundation. Supporters have allowed Fulham FC Foundation to continue building better lives through sport because of their generosity, and are critical members of the Fulham Family.

This event kick off prior to Fulham FC Women's fixture against AFC Wimbledon in the Capital Cup. With our most valued Supporter starting their match-day in The Flag pub with members of Fulham FC Foundation thanking these donors for their continued support over the course of 2022. Fulham FC Foundation CEO, Mike McSweeney spoke about their crucial support in enabling us to fund programmes for people across Southwest London.

This was followed on by an appearance from Fulham FC Women's team player Emily Bird, who came to answer some questions regarding her transition from the Girls Development Centre, a Foundation programme, to now being part of Fulham FC Women's first team.

Attendees were given complimentary tickets to watch the Women's team play in their first game at Craven Cottage since 2014, and also participated in a silent auction and raffle. As a result, combined with a generous personal donation, Fulham FC Foundation was able to raise a total of £370. This amount will allow for the continuance of building better lives through sport and increasing participation across all age groups and levels of ability within the Fulham community.

We are always looking to grow our Supporter of the Foundation programme, and if you are wanting to help make a difference among your community, click the Support button below to sign up today. By being a Supporter of the Foundation, you will receive exclusive invites to Fulham FC Foundation events across the remainder of the season. 

https://fulhamfc.enthuse.com/cf/supporter-of-the-foundation

If you wish to learn more about the Fulham FC Foundation, please feel free to email us on [email protected]   



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/november/24/FFCW-Supporters-Event-Recap-In-The-Flag/

[WhiteJC]

💬 Jay Stansfield on Oxford trip

Hear from October's player of the month

Jay Stansfield is looking forward to another appearance in the FA Cup, the competition he made his professional debut in three years ago.

Stansfield was a late sub in Fulham's 2-1 win over Aston Villa in January 2020, and he has fond memories of that day. 

"I remember meeting with the manager just before the game and he said he was putting me in the first team training session and told me to score as many goals as possible," he said.

"He pulled me and said he wanted me involved in the game and he put me on at 2-1 and it gave me great confidence. 

"Against Oxford, we have to go and put in a good performance and show what we can do. We weren't at the races when we played them at home."

Hear more from Jay 👇

https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2022/november/stanno-pre-oxford/

[WhiteJC]

Stansfield seeks more FA Cup memories
Jay Stansfield is hoping to make more FA Cup memories with Exeter City having made his senior debut in the world's oldest Cup competition three years ago with Fulham.

The talented forward, who celebrates his 20th birthday today, was introduced as a substitute by Scott Parker as the Whites beat Premier League side Aston Villa 2-1. Stansfield, voted as the EFL's young player of the month in October after excelling on loan for Exeter, told the Grecians' official website about his first Fulham appearance.

    "I remember meeting with the manager just before the game and he said he was putting me in the first team training session and told me to score as many goals as possible. He pulled me and said he wanted me involved in the game and he put me on at 2-1 and it gave me great confidence."

City travel to Oxford United in Saturday's second round tie and Stansfield knows Gary Caldwell's men will need to be much better than in a league defeat to the U's earlier in the season.

    "Against Oxford, we have to go and put in a good performance and show what we can do. We weren't at the races when we played them at home."

Stansfield, who came through the Exeter youth set-up before joining Fulham, also described to Devon Live how his emotional return to St. James' Park came about.

    "The whole of last season I was around the first team and playing U23s games so going into the season and with Fulham promoted into the Premier League, the aim was to go and get game time. I started well in pre=season and was sharp and fit, but discussed with the manager that it would be best for me to go out on loan and get game time. Being a younger player, it is not all about the age, but the experience others had, so I had to go and get that experience.

    I had wanted to stay and try and push my claims, but had the discussions and the best thing was to go get the game time and then come back and see what happens, and they have supported me massively. Short term I want to help the club improve where we are and be near the top of League One. I want to get as many goals as I can and mature for when I go back to Fulham. Next season might take me on another loan move, or I might be in and around the squad."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/11/stansfield-seeks-more-fa-cup-memories/

[WhiteJC]

World Cup: Mitro's Serbia Beaten

Aleksandar Mitrović got his World Cup campaign up and running on Thursday evening, but Serbia fell to a 2-0 defeat against pre-tournament favourites Brazil.

Serbia proved to be a tough nut to crack, keeping the Brazilians out for an hour before Premier League striker Richarlison bagged himself a brace to secure the points for his side. His second strike is already an early contender for goal of the tournament.

Mitro was hoping to add to his already impressive 50 international goals, but the countries all-time leading goalscorer was unable to get himself on the end of any real opportunties. 

Despite falling to a defeat in their opener, Serbia Head Coach Dragan Stojković would have been pleased with aspects of his team's performance. 

Mitro will look to get himself off the mark next Monday, when he faces a Cameroon side also looking to get their first points on the table.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/november/24/world-cup/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United: Future of Daniel James 'would depend on' Marsch status claims presenter

Presenter Ger Lynch has stated on his YouTube channel that the status of Leeds United boss, Jesse Marsch will be a big factor in relation to the future of winger Daniel James.

James is currently on loan at fellow Premier League side Fulham. However, his deal with Leeds doesn't end until 2026.

The fact that Marsch decided to loan out James, suggests he doesn't have intentions of playing him in the future. With his loan at Craven Cottage ending at the end of the season, there's no chance of the winger moving in January.

Lynch claims that James would likely get a chance in the team should a new manager come in to replace Marsch. Having said that, he believes the new manager would have to implement a style that would suit the Wales international.

He stated: "Dan James has a contract at Leeds until I think [2026]. So he won't be going anywhere for a while – 2026 I think he has his contract up.

"Still a bit of time on Dan James' contract, so he won't be going anywhere just yet. Whether Fulham make the move permanent or not, I don't know if there's an option. I don't think there's an option to make the deal permanent.

"Jesse's status at Leeds will be the key because on under Jesse's system, he doesn't fit the system. If we were to change manager and bring in a manager who plays orthodox wide wingers, then I think you can see Dan James come back into the fold there. So a lot would depend on that."

TIF's view on Lynch's comments...
We believe that whilst James looks likely to stay at Leeds for now, his time could be up in the future. Perhaps Fulham may look to sign him come the end of the season.

The former Manchester United man has only one goal to his name from eight Premier League appearances this season. Having said that, there's still plenty of the season to play.

So there is time for James to earn a move to Craven Cottage should he want to. Leeds prospects Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville have impressed out on the wing for Marsch's side. Making it difficult to find a way back into the side should when he returns to Elland Road.

With that in mind, come the summer of 2023, James could well be thinking of a move. Should he succeed at Fulham he could make the move to London in the summer.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2022/11/blogs/premier-league/leeds-united-future-of-daniel-james-would-depend-on-marsch-status-claims-presenter/

[WhiteJC]

The stars (and stripes) facing England: Ahead of team's second group game in World Cup, meet the cheerleader Wag - and a US team that's full of players based... over here!

When USA defender Tim Ream married his childhood sweetheart, the couple were looking forward to a honeymoon in the Pacific followed by a life together in New York.

But just 24 hours after exchanging vows with Kristen Sapienza, Ream had to have the first difficult conversation as man and wife.

For their dream honeymoon on the white sandy beaches of Tahiti was off and the Reams were about to swap the Big Apple for... Bolton.

Ten years on, the 35-year-old is preparing to line up against England in the World Cup tonight as part of a dozen American players who play, were born or grew up, here. It seems Kristen – mother to sons Aidan and Theodore and daughter Lilia – has since forgiven Ream for the £2.5million 2012 move from New York Red Bulls to Bolton Wanderers and the cold, wet Greater Manchester weather.

'After getting that call, I sat down with my wife-of-one-day and tried to explain that we wouldn't be going to Tahiti after all,' said Ream, who now plays for Premier League team Fulham.

'It was all booked, and we were due to fly out the following day. When we cancelled, we lost the majority of what we had paid, so it wasn't just the sunshine we sacrificed to make sure I became a Bolton player.'


Gimme an 'M'... Arsenal player Matt Turner's cheerleader wife Ashley Herron


Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner with his ex-NFL cheerleader wife Ashley Herron


Guys and their gals ready for the big World Cup clash: Former Bolton Wanderers star Tim Ream, who now plays for Fulham, with his family

Miss Sapienza is just one of a string of Wags who'll be in Qatar to see the USA side. And watching from the sidelines will be someone who certainly knows all about cheerleading.

Goalkeeper Matt Turner, 28, is married to NFL cheerleader Ashley Herron, who performed for the New England Patriots at the 2017 Super Bowl. She and Turner, who plays for Arsenal, had a boy named Easton in June.

Reserve goalkeeper Sean Johnson, 33, is dating dancer Marissa Horton who has performed with the famous Radio City Rockettes. There could be divided loyalties for Ream's Fulham teammate Antonee Robinson, 25, whose fiancee Darcy Myers is English.

Star Wars-loving Robinson, whose nickname is Jedi, was born in Milton Keynes and grew up in Liverpool before choosing to play for the US through his dad's American citizenship.


Split loyalties? Antonee Robinson, a defender with Fulham, with his English girlfriend Darcy Myers


American footballer Tyler Adams (right), 23, who plays for Leeds United

Others with England connections include midfielders Tyler Adams, 23, and Brenden Aaronson, 22, who both play for Leeds United; goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, 27, is signed to Luton Town and forward Josh Sargent, 22, plays for Norwich City.

Aaronson's partner is Milana D'Ambra, a football player at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, 24, the son of a former basketball player, was born and raised in Essex, progressed through the Tottenham academy and now plays for Celtic.

Attacker Giovanni Reyna, 20, the son of US football legend Claudio Reyna, was born in Sunderland.

He plays in Germany for Dortmund with England star Jude Bellingham, 19, and is looking forward to going up against his 'best friend'.


American Brenden Aaronson, 22, plays for Leeds United with girlfriend Milana


New York-born right back Joe Scally (right), who became the second youngest professional player in the US aged 15, met his girlfriend Chaisty (left) in school

Midfielder Yunus Musah, 19, moved to London with his family aged nine and joined Arsenal's academy. He played in England's youth teams and starred alongside Bukayo Saka, 21, and Bellingham. The New York-born star said: 'To be able to be on the pitch with both national teams that I've played with is special.'

Celta Vigo player Luca de la Torre also moved to the capital as a teenager and played for the Fulham academy for six years.

New York-born right back Joe Scally, who became the second youngest professional player in the US aged 15, met his girlfriend Ryan Chaisty in school.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fifa/article-11467415/Ahead-England-vs-World-Cup-game-meet-Wag-team-players-based-here.html

[WhiteJC]

Antonee Robinson says his USA side can WIN the World Cup in Qatar and reminds his teammates of England's patchy Nations League form this year - where they lost 4-0 to HUNGARY - to inspire them before vital Group B clash

    USA play England on Friday in a standout game at the World Cup in Qatar
    For the USMNT, a result is key after starting with a 1-1 tie against Wales
    But defender Antonee Robinson, who plays for Fulham, is very confident
    He believes his USA team can beat anyone if they make it out of the group

If any member of the USMNT group needs extra inspiration before Friday's game against England, they should speak to Antonee Robinson.

The Fulham defender has stoked the fires on the eve of his USA team's World Cup tie with England and told them they can not only cause a shock against Gareth Southgate's team but they can also go on and win the whole tournament in Qatar.

'Yes. Everyone in our squad believes we can beat any team on our day, so why not think we can get out of this group and then go and win every knockout game?' Robinson told The Times.


Antonee Robinson is in confident spirits before the USA's World Cup game against England


He believes his team is good enough to beat England and go on and win the World Cup

But first, USA needs a result against England unsurprisingly, the defender who plays club football for Fulham in the English Premier League is confident.

Robinson's inspiration, he says, comes from England's bad form in Europe's Nations League this year, where they failed to win in six games. 

On top of that, England could not beat Italy in two games and lost twice to Hungary - in one game they were thrashed 4-0. Both Hungary and Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Robinson said: 'We're definitely an underdog. Our group is pretty tough but we've got to think we can go through and we have got to want it more than anyone.

'I remember the day after that draw a headline in one of the English papers: 'England have the easiest group' and all that's going to do is fire us and Wales up. You think you're just going to come and get a win? It never goes like that. 


England had a miserable time in the Nations League and even lost 4-0 to Hungary this year


But they looked in ominous form in their first World Cup game, beating Iran 6-2 in Qatar 

'You saw what happened in the Nations League, England losing to teams they thought they'd turn up and beat.'

Robinson won his 30th cap for the USA in the 1-1 draw against Wales in Group B on Monday.

England, meanwhile, looked to have recovered top form with an impressive 6-2 rout of Iran.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11467961/USMNT-defender-Antonee-Robinson-says-USA-beat-England-WIN-World-Cup-Qatar.html