Facing England next in World Cup group play, Brenden Aaronson says ‘confidence is high’

DOHA, Qatar — Brenden Aaronson made his FIFA World Cup debut in Doha this week, notching yet another major accomplishment in his young career.

Entering in the 66th minute of the United States’ first match in group play against Wales, Aaronson took to the world’s biggest stage with a performance emblematic of his skill set, displaying energy, relentlessness, and impact. His passing through the midfield was near perfect, as was his press, and he fired off one of the few shots the U.S. managed.

With England the next test the U.S. faces, Aaronson on Friday likely will play an even bigger role and will tap into his experience playing in English Premier League for Leeds United.

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The 22-year-old who hails from Medford, has come a long way since his days with the Union Academy, the place that launched his career from young MLS talent to Premier League player.

“Honestly, I’m speechless,” Aaronson told a small gathering of media in Doha, reflecting on the weight of this moment in his skyrocketing career. “It’s such a dream come true. To be here and to be with the guys, to see everybody’s face and come in and just see the flags waving when they greeted us. It’s an unbelievable feeling. And it really is a dream come true.”

The United States will face England as the underdog against a tournament favorite and will be playing with something to prove. It’s a trait Aaronson is accustomed to. With Leeds, Aaronson plays each week with an exceptional amount of pressure.

There is, of course, the constant pressure of needing wins in a doggedly competitive football pyramid to prove that Leeds belongs in England’s top league. There also is the pressure of being one of three Americans on a Premier League club. Aaronson plays alongside USMNT captain Tyler Adams in Yorkshire on a club managed by Wisconsin native Jesse Marsch.

Aaronson and Adams have played pivotal roles for Leeds this year. And, given their undeniable effort and impact, fans have taken kindly to both young Americans. Aaronson has even earned his own song from the stands. To the tune of Kanye West and Estelle’s “American Boy,” Leeds United consistently delivers serenades to the Medford midfielder as thanks for the effort he puts in. Aaronson says the song “is pretty cool,” admitting he’s a big fan of it.

Aaronson is, of course, not alone in England, with Americans joining clubs at various levels. Beyond Adams and Aaronson at Leeds, Hershey’s Christian Pulisic has made a name at Chelsea. Park Ridge, N.J., native Matt Turner is the backup keeper at Arsenal. Centerback Chris Richards, who hails from Alabama, has signed with Crystal Palace.

Together, they believe their experience in the Premier League has helped prepare them to face England’s formidable national team. The constant high stakes have honed their mental toughness, and the physicality of the Premier League has prepared them for this World Cup group. When asked about the physicality of Wales and England, Aaronson nodded to his time in the Premier League as solid preparation.

“Week in and week out, it’s making me stronger, and I feel like I can deal with physicality,” Aaronson said, adding that he’s been spending time hitting the weights. “I know it doesn’t look like it. But I am trying.”

Considering the confidence factor playing at that high level, he noted, “Tyler [Adams] especially has been unbelievable this season. I think I’ve been doing pretty well and doing the best I can. And, yeah, I think my confidence has definitely gone up. And I think his [confidence] too. I think going into this tournament, our confidence is really high.”

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So much of Aaronson’s secret sauce is the level of intensity he brings to every game. He puts in miles in the Premier League, as metrics show him running farther than most players league-wide in any given game. The U.S. can expect the same when he’s on the field, an intensity that could pay dividends against England.

“This is what the World Cup is going to be like, it’s going to be a dogfight out there,” Aaronson said. “It’s about what team wants it more out on the day. I think that if we start with intensity being the starting point, I think that our quality will take over. And I think we’ll be able to win games.”