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Not every youth national team star makes it to the senior team, and the 2019 U.S. team shows how a group can go in different directions

The goal of a youth national team is simple: to push players toward the senior team. However, even in the best of cases, everyone knows that only a few select players from any age-group will ever truly make an impact at the senior level.

Because of that, projecting the future of an Under-20 team is quite difficult. They're much closer to the senior level than say, the U17s, but, at the end of the day, the hope is that three, maybe four, of the players involved can become legitimate senior contributors. If you do that every time, your pipeline is in good shape, with each ageing generation being replaced by a younger one on the conveyor belt.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this summer is the first time in four years that teams have gathered for an U20 World Cup. And, because of that, we're blessed with a bit of hindsight when it comes to the U.S. team that competed in the 2019 tournament in Poland.

That team, famously, defeated France in the last 16 before falling to Ecuador in the quarter-final. It's also a team that provided something of a backbone for the senior squad that competed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In total, 11 players that featured that summer have earned senior USMNT caps, but a few have actually taken their talents elsewhere.

Where are they now, and how many of the 2019 U.S. U20s have truly made a difference in the years since? GOAL takes a look…

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  Brady Scott

  The starting goalkeeper that summer, Scott hasn't yet broken through in MLS and has yet to appear in American soccer's top flight. After playing for FC Koln's second team for a few years, he's bounced around stateside, signing with Nashville SC, Austin FC and, most recently, the Columbus Crew.

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  Sergino Dest

  You cannot understate how important this U20 experience was for Dest. When the Netherlands came calling after his breakthrough at Ajax, Dest stayed loyal to the USMNT, citing the relationships built during his time with the youth national team. In the years since, Dest has become a mainstay for the senior side and was the first-choice starter at right-back in Qatar, with 25 total caps to his name.

  He faces some competition this cycle due to a disastrous loan spell with AC Milan, but, at 22, Dest is still likely the USMNT's right-back of the present and future.

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  Chris Gloster

  After a few seasons with Hannover and Jong PSV, Gloster returned to the U.S. to join New York City FC, where he made 20 appearances in two seasons. However, the club bought out the defender's contract ahead of the 2023 season, leaving him as a free agent.

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  Mark McKenzie

  The then-Philadelphia Union defender has developed nicely since his time with the U20s. Now starring for Genk in Belgium, McKenzie narrowly missed out on the squad for Qatar, but figures to be part of the center-back pool as the 2026 World Cup cycle truly begins this summer.

  A recent unlikely goalscoring surge has him back in the picture, and McKenzie should be confident whenever he next joins up with the USMNT. He has 11 total caps to his name and was a part of the 2019-20 CONCACAF Nations League winners, although he did have a rocky final against Mexico.

After an embarrassing exit from the 2023 tournament, soon attention will turn towards the next four-year cycle – but who will be in the team in 2027?

We'll get this out of the way: picking how the United States women's national team should line up at the 2027 World Cup is an almost impossible exercise. So much can change in four years, especially for a team that looks set to usher in a new era. A new coach is surely coming in, as are new players, and projecting what all of that can combine to look like is a fool's errand.

But we'll play the fool and try and project what the USWNT will look like four years from now. The 2023 World Cup is over, but what will the U.S. look like by the time the 2027 tournament rolls around?

We know some key figures will be gone, with Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz having confirmed their retirements. Others like Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher and Crystal Dunn may not be around in four years time as they play into their mid-to-late 30s.

There's also an Olympic tournament just one summer away, which could slow the USWNT's true rebuild. Does the new coach use that tournament to blood young stars or lean on the likes of Morgan, Naeher and Dunn one last time in pursuit of Olympic gold?

Either way, there will be big changes by 2027, but what are they? GOAL breaks down how the U.S. should line up at the next World Cup…

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  GK: Casey Murphy

  Casey Murphy has been with the team for three years now, earning 14 caps, and it seems like it may be her time to fully step up. Naeher will be 39 by the time the next World Cup rolls around and, while she could very well be playing at the goalkeeper position, it seems unlikely.

  Murphy, meanwhile, will be 31 and in the prime of her career, giving her a chance to start going forward.

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  LB: Emily Fox

  Emily Fox started as an inverted right-back at this past World Cup to accommodate Dunn, but she will probably switch back to the left at some point soon. Fox, 25, wasn't bad on the right, but she's clearly better on her preferred side.

  She'll have this World Cup experience to build on, which will be helpful as she looks to have an even better cycle this time around.

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  CB: Naomi Girma

  Based on this World Cup, write Naomi Girma's name on the teamsheet in Sharpie. The 23-year-old central defender was the USWNT's best player Down Under, putting in several starring performances as the U.S. conceded just one goal. It's frightening to thing that she's still a relative newcomer for club and country, isn't it?

  Girma will only get more comfortable as she earns more experience. Look for her to be one of the best in the world by the time 2027 rolls around, if she isn't already.

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  CB: Alana Cook

  Bizarrely, Alana Cook didn't play a minute at this World Cup, but don't sell your stocks in her just yet. Vlatko Andonovski earned plenty of criticism for his unwillingness to trust Cook, as he instead went with Ertz in central defense. Cook was one of two USWNT outfield players not to see the field, which seemed impossible at the start of the tournament due to the lack of depth in her position.

  Cook, though, is only 26 and will be right in her prime in four years' time. She isn't going anywhere and, even if she isn't a starter by 2027, she'll certainly be in the mix.

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has revealed how he came to “idolise” Cristiano Ronaldo and why the Portuguese continues to inspire him.

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• Danish frontman now at Old Trafford
• Grew up as a Red Devils supporter
• Following in illustrious footsteps

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Denmark international is following in the footsteps of his idol after securing a £72 million ($91m) transfer to Old Trafford. He will not be taking on the famous No. 7 jersey, having inherited the No. 11 instead, but is ready to provide a similar source of attacking inspiration.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hojlund could not wish for a better role model, with Ronaldo a five-time Ballon d’Or winner that has cemented a standing among the all-time greats. Many look to him for lessons on how to model and improve their own game, with the latest attacking recruit in Manchester no different.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Hojlund has told of why he is a United supporter and how Ronaldo shaped his mindset growing up: “My father introduced me when I was not so young. He introduced me to Cristiano Ronaldo, and wanted me to idolise him because he has a good mentality. That's the reason he achieved so much in his career and for me is the best player ever. He had the talent but it's how hard he worked. I've seen a few interviews with ex-Manchester United players and they all said he wasn't a complete footballer when he came. He was skilful, but he developed.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Ronaldo, who is still going strong with Al-Nassr at 38 years of age, hit 145 goals for United across his two spells with the club – winning his first Champions League and Ballon d’Or while with the Red Devils – and Hojlund is being asked to fill the void that his hero’s sudden departure from Old Trafford in November 2022 created.

The Portuguese showed leadership when his team were down in the dumps and helped inspire them to victory

Manchester United made an utterly shambolic start against Nottingham Forest but an inspirational Bruno Fernandes pulled them out of the quagmire and towards a 3-2 win. The Red Devils found themselves 2-0 down after less than four minutes as Taiwo Awoniyi was given the freedom of the city of Manchester and then Willy Boly scored with an accidental header after abysmal marking from a free-kick.

A close-range Christian Eriksen finish gave United hope and they were much better after the break, with Casemiro – assisted by Fernandes – levelling before Forest captain Joe Worrall was sent off for hauling down the Portuguese.

A lively Marcus Rashford won a penalty, which Fernandes confidently converted to give United the lead, but there were still some nervy moments in the 11 minutes of stoppage time. A much-needed win but there is still a lot of work to do.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Old Trafford.

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (4/10):

  A very poor display. What was he doing for the first goal? He bottled coming out of the area to block Awoniyi then sat down before the striker had taken his shot. Motionless for Boly's goal but made amends by clawing away a shot from the defender.

  Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):

  Partly at fault for the second goal but otherwise did fine. Made some important blocks and helped drive United on.

  Raphael Varane (6/10):

  Helped United get a grip on the game and made a crucial tackle on Morgan Gibbs-White to prevent a third goal. Substituted at half-time.

  Lisandro Martinez (4/10):

  Struggled a lot in the first half, looking unconvincing for the third game in a row.

  Diogo Dalot (4/10):

  Pretty poor at left-back which does not bode well for next week's trip to Arsenal as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are likely to still be out.

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  Midfield

  Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

  Led the way back from the abyss, dominating all areas of midfield. Thrust the team forward and was inventive, especially for Casemiro's goal. Completed the comeback with an assured penalty.

  Casemiro (5/10):

  Very poor in the first half, failing to jump for Boly's goal and showing no leadership in midfield for the first. Stepped up after the break and equalised.

  Christian Eriksen (7/10):

  Gave United more balance and invention than Mason Mount.Got the comeback going with his goal.

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  Attack

  Antony (7/10):

  Worked very hard defensively and caused Forest a lot of problems in attack. Forced Turner into good saves in either half and looked a real threat. Much improved.

  Anthony Martial (5/10):

  Lacked sharpness and was often outmuscled off the ball. But at least he didn't get injured.

  Marcus Rashford (7/10):

  Looked much more dangerous on the left and set up Eriksen's goal with an incisive run. Played an excellent through ball for Casemiro's equaliser, then earned the decisive penalty.

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  Subs & Manager

  Victor Lindelof (6/10):

  Replaced Varane at half-time and improved United in defence.

  Jadon Sancho (6/10):

  Gave the team more energy than Martial could provide but didn't do anything tangible.

  Scott McTominay (N/A):

  Only introduced for the final five minutes.

  Erik ten Hag (5/10):

  Must take some blame for the horrendous start. His substitutions, however, helped win the game.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored twice to move his side within three points of the summit after the Brazilian struggled for Al-Hilal

We may only be seven rounds into the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season, but this is already shaping up to be a thrilling campaign in the Middle East. The top six teams are now separated by just three points after a thoroughly entertaining set of fixtures that returned 36 goals.

Perhaps the most entertainment came in the biggest game of them the past week, as Al-Nassr re-established themselves as title contenders with a 4-3 win over Al-Ahli in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to maintain his fine form in front of goal.

Nassr are now within touching distance of the summit, in part because of leaders Al-Hilal dropping points in their 1-1 draw with Damac. Jorge Jesus' side have now been surpassed at the top by defending champions Al-Ittihad who saw off Al-Fateh with a 2-1 win.

Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq are also well in the title race after a 4-3 win of their own over Al-Ta'ee, but who had a week to remember, and who would rather forget their latest performance?

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the latest round of Saudi Pro League action…

• WINNER: Cristiano Ronaldo & Anderson Talisca

  Ever since Ronaldo arrived at Al-Nassr in January, there have been doubts over whether he can play together with Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca. That concern only grew in the early weeks of the current campaign when the club suffered some poor results when they were paired together, before results picked up following an injury to Talisca.

  There was, then, understandable worries among Nassr fans when the duo were both named in the line up for Friday's crucial clash with high-flying Al-Ahli. As it turned out, though, they need not have been worried.

  The pair both scored twice in the 4-3 win, with Ronaldo taking his season's tally to nine goals in just six appearances. The three points moved Nassr up to fifth and to within striking distance of the top of the table, and there is now clear evidence that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner can dovetail with Talisca going forward.

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  LOSER: Neymar

  It's not been a good week for Neymar, either on or off the pitch, in what has been a crash course for Al-Hilal in what it means to have a (sometimes troubled) global superstar within their ranks.

  Ahead of his side's clash with Damac on Thursday, a video published by a Brazilian journalist seemed to show Neymar spending the night with two women in an incident that allegedly took place three months ago in Barcelona.

  Neymar's pregnant girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi, responded by posting an angry Instagram story, and there are now reports that the pair could separate following the footballer's apparent infidelity.

  Certainly, something seemed to be on Neymar's mind as he put in a disappointing showing and missed a number of relatively easy chances for Hilal as they were held to a 1-1 draw, the dropped points meaning they would give up their place at the top of the table.

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  WINNER: Nuno Santo

  Al-Ittihad had won the Saudi league title since 2009 when Nuno Espirito Santo took over as manager last season, and so he is already revered as a hero in Jeddah after guiding the club to both the Pro League title and the Saudi Super Cup in his first campaign in charge.

  And after Friday's 2-1 win over Al-Fateh, he has his side on course for a successful defence of their title, with the win moving them back to the top of the table after they had slipped behind Al-Hilal following their dramatic Clasico defeat before the international break.

  That he pulled off the win without the likes of Karim Benzema, top scorer Abderrazak Hamdallah and key playmaker Igor Coronado is testament to Nuno's coaching ability, and a good sign that he will be tasting success again come the end of the campaign

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  LOSER: Jorge Jesus

  Saudi fans are not known for their patience with managers, and Jorge Jesus is the latest to be facing the wrath of his supporters as calls for him to be sacked by Al-Hilal grow by the day. That might seem harsh for a coach whose team were top of the table until this past week and recently beat their biggest rivals, Al-Ittihad, but performance levels have not always been high despite positive results.

  Things took a turn this week as Jesus' side could only draw 1-1 with Uzbeki side Navbahor in the AFC Champions League on Monday, before following that up with the same result against a struggling Damac side who are yet to win a game this season in the Pro League.

  Questions have been asked of Jesus' selection choices and his in-game substitutions, while his utilisation of star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has also come under the microscope after he was seen telling the Serbia international to stay back and not join the attack late on on Thursday, despite Hilal needing a win to retain top spot.

The Al-Nassr striker scored his 126th and 127th international goals as Roberto Martinez's side cruised to a win

Cristiano Ronaldo was among the goals once more, while the group around him also chipped in, as Portugal thrashed Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Selecao led 4-0 after half an hour, and scored five by half time, running away 5-0 winners, and maintaining a perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Manager Roberto Martinez deployed a full strength lineup despite already sealing qualification to next year's tournament.

And his side wasted no time putting Bosnia and Herzegovina to the sword. Ronaldo opened the scoring inside 10 minutes, converting from the penalty spot after a handball in the Bosnia and Herzegovina box. The forward added a second 15 minutes later, latching onto Joao Felix's threaded pass and lifting the ball over the keeper.

Bruno Fernandes put the game beyond doubt soon after, ghosting beyond the Bosnia backline and lashing an effort into the roof of the net. And the floodgates soon opened for the Selecao. Joao Cancelo scored the fourth after 32 minutes, curling one into the top corner from the edge of the box. And Felix got a deserved one of his own, taking advantage of a defensive collapse to poke home the fifth.

Martinez rotated in the second half, and a much-changed side created admittedly little. But by that time, the damage was done.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Bilino Polje…

• Goalkeeper & Defence

  Diogo Costa (6/10):

  A spectator, was rarely used.

  Diogo Dalot (7/10):

  Got up the wing with regularity. Made himself a mainstay for his national team.

  Ruben Dias (7/10):

  Won the ball when he had to, but it was mostly an exercise in short-range passing.

  Goncalo Inacio (7/10):

  Provided a lovely lofted ball for Fernandes' goal. Connected with the midfield well.

  Joao Cancelo (8/10):

  Scored an outrageous fourth, was involved for a further two. Is hitting his best for club and country, at the moment.

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• Midfield

  Danilo Pereira (6/10):

  Didn't really have all that much to do other than drop in and keep the ball moving. A strange selection choice, given the opponent.

  Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

  Tok his goal wonderfully and looked dangerous between the lines.

  Otavio (6/10):

  Covered a lot of ground, connected with the front line well, but didn't have a massive impact in front of goal.

• Attack

  Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10):

  Scored twice, came close to bagging yet another Portugal hat-trick. What more can you ask?

  Joao Felix (9/10):

  Ronaldo may have been the finisher, but Felix was Portugal's most apparent threat. Assisted, took his goal wonderfully, and set everything else up.

  Rafael Leao (7/10):

  The only one of Portugal's front three not to get on the scoresheet. Still dangerous, though.

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• Subs & Manager

  Diogo Jota (7/10):

  Looked dangerous in the final third. A good runout.

  Pedro Neto (6/10):

  Energetic without being impactful.

  Ruben Neves (6/10):

  Did little else other than crack a free-kick into the wall.

  Vitinha (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Joao Neves (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Roberto Martinez (8/10):

  Put out a full strength XI, despite already sealing qualification. Portugal turned in a dominant first half, and mostly controlled the second. Eight games, eight wins, 24 points.

Rodrygo is still hopeful of playing alongside Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid as he has once again admitted he doesn't like playing as a No.9.

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• Rodrygo hates playing as number 9
• Wants to play alongside Mbappe
• Real Madrid may not pursue 2024 deal

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo has admitted he would welcome Mbappe with open arms to Santiago Bernabeu next season. Recently reports emerged that Los Blancos are no longer keen on signing the French star, who will become a free agent next summer, but Rodrygo has maintained that he is still keen on playing alongside a "cracker" of a player like Mbappe.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since Karim Benzema's departure from the club at the end of the 2022-23 season, Carlo Ancelotti has deployed a new 4-4-2 diamond system at the club where Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo play as the two strikers. But the former Santos star has made it clear that he hates playing as a number nine and revealed his preferred positions.

• WHAT DID RODRYGO SAY?

  Speaking to , the Brazilian reiterated that he does not like playing as the main striker. He was quoted saying: "Sometimes we talk about one thing and another comes out. It's a little bit complicated. The coach knows that I don't like playing as a 9, but I do it for the team and for him too because I believe in him. He already knew it and we had no problems."

  On Mbappe's proposed transfer to the club, he added: "I don't know. You have to ask the coach or the president that. Sure. Not just Mbappe. He is a cracker and we want to play with the best."

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  WHAT NEXT

  The 22-year-old will be next seen in action for Selecao as they take on Colombia on November 17 in a 2026 World Cup qualifying game.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reacted to the Premier League's decision to dock Everton ten points.

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• Everton found guilty of financial breach
• Docked 10-points from their standings
• Carragher believes the penalty to be harsh

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Toffees were handed the sanction following an investigation into potential violations of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. Sean Dyche's side now sit 19th in the standings with just four points after the largest sporting penalty in the competition's history. Carragher responded to the sentence on Twitter, calling it "excessive."

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• WHAT CARRAGHER SAID

  In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said: "The 10-point deduction for Everton is excessive & not right, considering they have been working with the PL about this for the last couple of years."

  "Would it have been better to be evasive & try & drag it out like other clubs?"

  "No doubt relegated clubs will have put big pressure on the PL to deal with Everton, but when you consider 6 clubs tried to leave the PL & there was no sanction at all it doesn’t feel right."

  "Until other clubs are sanctioned Everton will feel they are being used to show there is no need for an independent regulator, and they are right."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Everton expressed their amazement and disappointment at the fine, calling it "wholly disproportionate and unjust." In an official statement, they have made it clear that they want to appeal the ruling after the sanction was made public.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR EVERTON?

  The players and coaching staff will remain focused on their upcoming match against Manchester United on November 26 as they look to yet again make some room between them and the relegation zone.

Will Boyle has highlighted the crucial promotion-winning traits that “everyone knows” at Wrexham, with a step up into League One being targeted.

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• Red Dragons claimed National League title in 2023
• Pushing for top-three finish in League Two
• Overcome wobble & looking to kick on

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons have been on a meteoric rise since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their stunning takeover of the club in February 2021. Three memorable years have been enjoyed at SToK Racecourse, and nobody connected with Welsh outfit is ready to jump off an emotional roller coaster.

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  WHAT BOYLE SAID ABOUT WREXHAM

  Phil Parkinson has experienced his first wobble as Wrexham boss this season, with a four-match losing run recently taken in, but a 2-1 win over Sutton has got the Red Dragons back on track and taking aim at a top-three finish once more. Boyle has said in : “It is really tight up there. We have got to focus on what we can do. Everyone at the club knows from the last couple of years what it takes to achieve something; it takes momentum and you have to build a run so that is what we have got to focus on. We are well placed and if we can do that then we won’t be in a bad position at the end. One win doesn’t mean anything but it is nice to stop a little bit of a rot.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Boyle, who moved to North Wales from Huddersfield last summer, took his goal tally for the season to four against Sutton and added on chipping in with vital efforts despite operating at centre-half: “It was a nice moment and important for the team. Hopefully I can get a couple more to help the lads get over the line. But I don’t really care who scores as long as the ball goes in their net more times than it does ours.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Wrexham will be back in action on Saturday when playing host to old adversaries Notts County. The two sides are set to lock horns at SToK Racecourse for the first time since their epic clash towards the end of a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign that saw the Red Dragons prevail in a thrilling National League title race.

Tom Lockyer showed off his "battle wound" and explained how the fitted defibrillator could save his life if his heart ever stopped again.

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• Lockyer collapsed on the field twice in just seven months
• Has an Implanted Cardiac Device (ICD) fitted to his chest
• Could be life-saving in case of another setback on the field

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lockyer experienced a mid-game cardiac arrest earlier in the season, during a match against Bournemouth in December, marking the second time Lockyer collapsed on the pitch within seven months, after having previously endured atrial fibrillation during the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May. He has now been fitted with an Implanted Cardiac Device (ICD) in his chest which would shock his heart into action should it stop, eliminating the need for external defibrillation and potentially saving his life.

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• WHAT LOCKYER SAID

  Speaking to Lockyer said: "So that's my battle wound. My defibrillator sits in there, as you can see there's a wire that runs across and up to the heart in case it ever needs to go off.

  "So that's constantly monitoring my heart rate and if it goes outside certain parameters then it's designed to give me a shock. That's the wire – the battery lasts about 10 years so only needs changing every 10 years and hopefully I'm never going to need it but it's there as a precaution."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lockyer recounted the December incident in vivid detail and insisted that he knew that the second emergency was distinctively different from the first one.

  "I was running up to the halfway line and went really light-headed, thinking would be OK in a second. I wasn't and woke up with paramedics everywhere," he revealed.

  "It happened in May but I knew instantly this time was different, the last time I woke up almost like from a dream and this time woke up from nothingness.

  'I could see straight away, paramedics, physios, club doctors, there was more panic, I couldn't speak, couldn't move, trying to work out what was happening. While that was going on I remember thinking, 'I could be dying here'.

  "It's a surreal thought to have been thinking that and not being able to move or respond, and you could see panic going on. Once I came around it was a relief I was alive and fortunate it happened where it happened, I was living it and my family almost had it worse than I have. After what happened in May I have a recording device, and two minutes 40 seconds I was out for, and had to have a defib to shock me back."