Head Coach Simon Grayson spoke of Fleetwood Town’s pride in seeing James Hill captain and score his first goal for England Under-20s on Monday evening.
The young defender headed England’s fifth as they won 5-0 away at Czech Republic after taking the captain’s armband coming on as a half-time substitute. This following his full debut against Italy in Chesterfield on Thursday night. And the Fleetwood Town boss paid tribute to the talent and potential of the club’s young star:
“He’s deserved everything he’s got so far. He’s worked extremely hard since I’ve been at the club,” said Grayson.
“He’s someone who always wants to improve to the point where he can be overly critical of himself at times as he’s so determined to get better.
“When you represent your country, you’re with the best of your age group and working with some fantastic staff, coaches, and players. For us, as a club, it’s great to see James alongside all those Premier League players.
“For Fleetwood Town which isn’t the biggest club to have someone playing for England and doing really well is something we are extremely proud of.”
Hill, 19, has become a mainstay in Town’s defence after some outstanding performances way beyond his years so far this season, making 48 appearances in total since graduating from the club’s academy. But there’s one thing Grayson joked Hill may face some criticism for:
He explained: “I’m sure he will get some stick when he returns about his goal celebration.
“When he scored his first for us at Cambridge, he celebrated with a double backflip but was a bit more reserved with an England badge on his chest. I’m sure that will get brought up on Thursday by the players!"