From goals and matches to teammates and opponents, who and what make it into our skipper’s list of career Top Threes?
Football memories?
“I remember when Hereford played Shrewsbury Town and won 2-1 away from home in February 2008. That was a massive memory for me, as it was a big win and continued their promotion surge to EFL League One.
“Next would be when Hereford played in the FA Cup first round against Shrewsbury, in November 2012. Ryan Bowman scored twice and we won 3-1. I went to that game. I was pitchside, and it was another really memorable moment.
“Lastly, I’ll say when I played for Hereford away at Aldershot Town in the last game of the 2013/14 season. We needed to win, combined with Chester failing to win at home to Salisbury City, in order to stay in the Conference.
“There’s a video on YouTube even now that shows people waiting on the other game to finish, and then all of a sudden you just see this surge of fans celebrating, and the place goes absolutely wild.
“I think to be involved in that at such an age, at the age of 17, was just incredible, so I’d probably say that’s one of my best footballing memories.”
Inspirations?
“I’d say David Beckham and probably Wayne Rooney as well.
“I’d also say Lionel Messi, especially as I played football more and more and began to kind of understand it a little bit more. I think watching Messi is just like watching magic, and I think even now to this day, at the age that he is, he is still just a magician on the pitch. He makes playing football look so easy.”
Personal achievements?
“Playing for my local team, Hereford. First and foremost, that was incredible for me, and it was a dream come true.
“I think winning the UEFA Europa Conference League here with West Ham, in 2023. As a player, you want to win as many trophies as possible.
“I’d also say scoring my first goal for England, which was against the Republic of Ireland in November 2024. You want to play for your country. You want to score as well, and doing both makes me incredibly proud. I think scoring for your country at Wembley is definitely a pinnacle.”
Goals?
“When I played for Hereford, I scored at home against Alfreton Town in April 2014, and we won 3-2. That was in front of a stand called the Meadow End, where I used to watch from and go with my mates. All my mates were behind the goal that day, so that was special.
“I think the goal in the Europa Conference League final is another top moment. To score the winning goal and win a trophy was very special.
“I’ll also say my first goal for England. I’ll never forget that one.”
Matches?
“They would be my debut for Hereford, against Barnet in March 2014, my debut for England, against Hungary in June 2022, and then the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina in Prague.”
Teammates?
“I’d say Robbie McKenzie, who was with me at Hull City. He plays for Gillingham now, but we still speak every day. We’ve become really good friends.
“I’d also say Mark Noble. He was the captain when I was here, and we speak all the time. He was at my wedding as well.
“I’d probably say Dec (Declan Rice) as well.”
Opponents?
“I think Luke Shaw, who has always been a really good player. I went to UEFA Euro 2024 with him last summer and trained with him for six weeks, and it’s obvious he is a very, very good player.
“I think of João Cancelo when he was at Manchester City. He was always difficult to play against.
“Then there’s Marc Cucurella at Chelsea, too. He’s so aggressive and leaves it all out there. You know it’s going to be a really good battle when you go up against him, and he’s very tough to play against.”
Achievements at West Ham United?
“I’ll say my first goal against Southampton in February 2020, winning the Europa Conference League and becoming captain in summer 2024.”
