“It means everything to represent the charity on the world stage.” – Sean Jackson interview

Sean Jackson captaining England - Image: @ThreeLinesPhotography/Matt Milford

Writes: Josh Bright

This weekend will mark the sixth training camp of the year for The England Amputee Men’s National Team, as players from across the country will travel to Godmanchester Rovers FC, where preparations for friendlies against Ireland next month and the World Cup in November will continue.

For England and Everton defender Sean Jackson, the previous camps have been a great opportunity to develop tactics and the unity within the squad.

Speaking to the EAFA, Jackson said: “There’s a really good feel to the camp, with positive vibes all around with staff and players.

“I think the philosophy Gary (Marheineke) has brought in since he started is really starting to show within the sessions and the way we play tactically.

“He has brought in a more aggressive style of play in terms of us wanting to dominate the ball and dominate through a high press, so seeing success come from that at the last camp’s fixtures was really positive to see.”

Sean Jackson will continue to be a key figure for Marheineke’s side this camp, both with his footballing ability and leadership qualities. The 25-year-old is a part of England’s player leadership team, having also captained the side on previous occasions.

Taking time to look back at the progression of the squad, from his position of leadership, Jackson feels there has been real development in the side.

“As part of the leadership team, I think a lot of it comes through setting the standards of sessions and the behaviours off the pitch,” said the England number two.

“The squad has really done well since the start of the year. A lot of the chat is always around fitness, inevitably, as we have an amateur professional set up.

“It’s hard for lads to stay fit when they must balance their jobs, families and any other commitments. But the lads look as fit as ever, and I feel there’s been a progression in the mindset of players and an openness to learn a new way from the coaching staff.”

England training hard at camp - Image: @ThreeLinesPhotography/Matt Milford

The weekend’s camp will be a great opportunity for Jackson and his teammates to continue preparations ahead of two friendlies against Ireland next month.

England will make the trip to Cork for the international games, which is something he believes can have a significant impact on the squad, especially for the newer players to the England Amputee set-up.

Jackson, who has progressed all the way through the EAFA ranks, from a young amputee footballer to an international winner, said: “The Cork friendlies will be massive for the squad.

“Especially for the lads who are new to the group. Lots of lads will have the chance to make their debuts, so that’ll be a nice moment for them and hopefully push them all on to want to experience it even more in the coming years.

“It’s sad that funding restricts our preparation, so proper international friendlies are a huge part of preparation, to get up to speed and to be able to practice what we’ve gained from camps.

“It feels like the National League had a bit of a bitter ending due to the results, so it’ll be nice to have the chance to get back on the pitch properly and get some game time.”

Jackson focussed in training - Image: @ThreeLinesPhotography/Matt Milford

Whilst the camp and the international friendlies in July remain the immediate priority for Jackson and the squad, the World Cup in November also remains a big motivation for the team.

For Jackson, being able to represent the EAFA in Mexico on the global platform would mean “everything.”

“It means everything to represent the charity on the world stage,” he said.

“I think that’s the main driver for all the training we do as a collective and as individuals when we’re training at home.

“Personally, I want to write a few wrongs from the last World Cup after receiving a red card in the group stage and a bit of a sad ending in 2022 when I ruptured a ligament in the round of 16 match against Angola.”

But to get to the World Cup in Mexico, the EAFA needs your help.

You can play a vital role in the journey and power England to the biggest stage in amputee football.

Click here to donate and share The EAFA’s fundraising page.

You can also contact The EAFA about a range of sponsorship opportunities, with player and squad packages available.

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