ZINEDINE Zidane handing you a trophy in Paris for captaining your country to World Cup glory is some dream, but for Bristol schoolboy Jordan Whittaker it could become a reality.
The 11-year-old, from Shirehampton, has beaten thousands of trialists to win a place in the England football team competing in the Danone Nations Cup in France next month.
And the 14-man squad of 10 to 12-year-olds will be coached by no less than former Liverpool, Tottenham and England team-mates Jamie Redknapp and John Scales, who made more than 70 appearances for Bristol Rovers in the mid-80s.
The Portway School pupil spent two years at Bristol City’s academy but now trains with ex-Rovers player Michael Meaker at The No 1 Football Academy in Southmead.
Proud dad Richard said his son was “over the moon” to be chosen but added: “At the end of the day he’s just a kid and nobody is placing any expectations on him for this or the future. It will just be a fantastic experience for him whatever happens.”
Jordan, who plays for Shire Colts, was one of four Bristol players who made the semi-finals of the national trials. The others were Jamie Horgan, Harry Paice and Brodie Goddard-Jones.
Richard said: “After an initial training session the kids were split up into six teams and over the two days played a tournament.
“They were told the winning team would represent England in Paris and Jordan’s team won. He didn’t look out of place and they even made him captain.
“Jordan’s best position is probably centre-half,” said his dad. “He’s good in the air and strong in the tackle, but obviously at his age he’ll play anywhere. “His new team-mates include players from the Newcastle, Spurs and Arsenal academies, so he’s in good company.”
Meaker said Jordan should be proud of his achievement. “The most important thing is his attitude is fantastic,” he said.
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