Looking back on his first full season in the West Ham United development squad, England youth international goalkeeper Finlay Herrick can reflect fondly on all he has achieved at the Club he’s represented since the age of six.
In his first campaign at U21s level, Herrick won the Premier League 2 Golden Glove, keeping more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper across the 26-team division during the regular season. His consistency between the sticks was key to a defensive record that saw him nominated for the PL2 Player of the Season award, alongside Academy teammate Lewis Orford.
But before all that, Herrick had already caught the eye internally, stepping straight up from the U18s to join West Ham United’s first-team squad on their pre-season tour in the United States.
“It was a bit of a shock to the system in a way, going from U18s straight to the first team,” he reflected. “But the coaching staff looked after me quite well. Xavi [Valero] introduced me to that environment, and it was a great experience just to be in and around it, especially on the game days. Against Crystal Palace in pre-season, I was on the bench for it, so it was great to be involved in that way. It was really hard work, but I think that exposure set the rest of the season up for me.”
That early exposure indeed helped set the tone. Herrick went on to make 18 appearances in the PL2 regular season, keeping seven clean sheets, the most of any goalkeeper. His shutouts included four in a six-game stretch as the Young Hammers opened 2025 with seven straight wins.
“As much as I want to take credit for all the clean sheets, and I celebrate like I did all the work, you’ve got to give credit to my defence,” he smiled. “I've just been pushing every chance for the U21s, every game you play, there's always someone watching. Whether it's a first-team coach from West Ham or a scout trying to get you on loan for next year, there's always an opportunity to impress someone. That’s what I try to do, play the best I can every game and make an impression.”
Representing the GK union 🧤
Finlay Herrick’s seven clean sheets helped him become the only goalkeeper nominated for the #PL2 Player of the Season ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/KPAiT5JvWY— PL Youth (@PLYouth) May 8, 2025
And the season isn’t over yet. Alongside his domestic success, Herrick has remained a key figure for his country, featuring in every England U19s camp during 2024/25. In fact, Herrick has now represented the Young Lions at every age group since making his debut for the U16s.
The 19-year-old is currently in Romania for the UEFA U19 European Championships, that officially begin later today (Friday 13 June), his second major tournament with England. He was part of the U17s squad that competed at the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia, where the Young Lions were knocked out in the round of 16 by Uzbekistan; a defeat that still harbours disappointment for the 2006 age group.
“The defeat against Uzbekistan really hurt,” Herrick admitted. “It was our first experience as a group of going out somewhere for a tournament where, once you lose, you're out. And it was a bit of a shock to the system. When we did lose, it didn’t feel real. We were all a bit like, ‘there's no next game, that's it’. We've got a good opportunity to put that right in this year’s Euros.”
One of three goalkeepers named in Will Antwi’s squad, alongside Arsenal’s Tommy Setford and Sunderland’s Matthew Young, Herrick started two games in England’s qualification campaign, keeping clean sheets in both, as the Young Lions progressed with the best defensive record across all rounds.
“I’m buzzing with that,” Herrick smiled. “I played two games during the qualifiers and kept two clean sheets. We've just tried to improve in every camp, and you can see it. The results are showing so far. We've just got to keep that momentum going and start this tournament in the right way now.
“No matter who starts in goal and keeps a clean sheet, whether it’s me or another ‘keeper, it’s a win for all of us, because that’s what we prepare for all season.”
England qualified for the finals as one of seven elite qualifying group winners, alongside hosts Romania, securing their place with a 1-0 victory over Portugal in their final match in Wales. They begin their tournament against Norway on Saturday 14 June, before facing Germany and the Netherlands. The top two sides in each group will progress to the semi-finals.
“We've got a tough group,” Herrick acknowledged. “But if we get through, I don't see why we can't win it. There’s no France, no Italy, no Portugal.
“I think we've got a strong squad. I was saying to Ollie Scarles in training back at West Ham, we've got such a strong group, I don’t see why we can’t push to get through to the knockouts, get into the final, and try and win it. We’ve got a great mentality this year.”
England U19s Euro fixtures
| Date | Kick-off (BST) | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 14 June | 3pm | England v Norway | Ilie Oană Stadium, Ploiești |
| Tue 17 June | 6pm | Germany v England | Arcul de Triumf Stadium, Bucharest |
| Fri 20 June | 6pm | Netherlands v England | Rapid-Giulești Stadium, Bucharest |
| Mon 23 June | TBC | SF 1: Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B | Arcul de Triumf Stadium, Bucharest |
| Mon 23 June | TBC | SF 2: Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A | Rapid-Giulești Stadium, Bucharest |
| Thu 26 June | 7pm | Final | Rapid-Giulești Stadium, Bucharest |
