Fulham defenders Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson have been rewarded for their fine form this season with places in the United States of America squad for the World Cup.
Veteran centre back Ream has snuck into Gregg Berhalter’s 26-man party for the tournament in Qatar after last featuring for the national side at the beginning of the World Cup qualifying campaign against El Salvador. The 35 year old’s place on the plane is recognition for his outstanding club form since Marco Silva took charge at Craven Cottage. The former Bolton defender was an ever-present as the Whites won the Championship last term and he has featured in every game of Fulham’s excellent return to the top flight so far this season.
Ream told FFCTV after being picked to play in his first World Cup:
“It’s the pinnacle of our sport, the biggest sporting event in the world. To be there representing the US, 300million people, the pressure is immense but it’s what I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. It’s a dream come true and something that I’m proud of. I’m proud that I’ve earned it. It’s a special feeling and one that I’m looking forward to continuing over the next couple of weeks.”
Robinson is now firmly established as the first choice left back for club and country – and has translated his outstanding international form into his most consistent run of games since signing for Fulham from Wigan Athletic in 2020. He told Fulham’s official website:
“Everyone’s dream is to go to the World Cup. From where in my career I’ve been, to now, it means everything to me, and it just shows that I’ve developed as a player. I feel like this year I’m playing some of the best football I’ve played, it’s the most confident I’ve felt in a long time.”
