Jurgen Klinsmann wants to fast-track Tottenham’s young star Cameron Carter-Vickers into the senior USA squad amid fears England will poach the teenager.
The 18-year-old has been tipped for stardom by Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, who said earlier this week: ‘For me, he can be one of the best centre backs in England.’
Carter-Vickers made his senior debut on Wednesday night when he started in the 5-0 EFL Cup win over Gillingham. He was born and raised in Southend but has played for the USA at Under 18, Under 20 and Under 23 level.
He qualifies for the USA through his dad, Howard Carter, a basketball player for the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.
But having come through Tottenham’s academy system, Carter-Vickers is firmly on the radar of the FA.
He is yet to make a senior appearance for America, which means he is still eligible for England. And USA head coach Klinsmann is ready to move swiftly to secure the teenager.
America face friendlies against Cuba and New Zealand next month, but neither game is classed as a competitive fixture.The first opportunity Carter-Vickers can fully commit himself to the USA is in November when they face Mexico and Costa Rica in World Cup qualifiers.
England boss Sam Allardyce revealed last month that the FA made a similar move for French midfielder Steven Nzonzi, who qualified by living in England for over five years during his spells with Stoke and Blackburn.
(Daily Mail)
