Freddie Woodman gets England Call-up

15-year-old academy keeper, Freddie Woodman has been given the call up to join England Under 17s, ahead of their Nordic Tournament this August.

Son of Magpies’ goalkeeper coach Andy Woodman, Freddie will join Kenny Swain’s side as they visit the Faroe Islands for the competition, facing the likes of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Norway U19s.

Freddie has played for the England Under 16 side in the past, lifting the Victory Shield last year.

He will have to compete alongside Shrewsbury Town’s Callum Burton to become first choice keeper for the competition.

After a move from Crystal Palace’s academy in the summer of last year, Woodman has cemented his spot as Newcastle U16s number one choice, helping them reach the quarter finals of the Nike Cup. Woodman impressed Peter Beardsley enough to give him his debut for the reserves in a friendly against York last October, at the age of only 14. Coming on for the last 15 minutes, Freddie pulled of handful of exciting saves, only to let in a late consolation goal three minutes form the final whistle. The 14-year-old’s remarkable achievement hitting home, with York fielded 42-year-old keeper Paul Musselwhite in the same friendly.

Freddie, a West Ham supporter, becomes the second product of the academy to represent the U17s side, after Steven Taylor donned the three lions in 2003 for the UEFA European U17 Championships. Taylor went on to represent the U20s, U21s and the England B side, captaining the U16s and U17s along the way. Perhaps a sign of things to come for Woodman.

In light of his son’s call up, Andy said:

“Hopefully he can keep progressing like he has been. He’s a very focussed lad and it will be good for him. These goalkeepers work hard and they put themselves on the line every week. I’m proud of his achievements so far, but he still has a long way to go.”

With the mentors in the form of Krul, Harper and reserve stopper Rob Elliot, along with a helping hand from his dad, Freddie is on course to rapidly become one of the hottest talents to burst through the ranks at Newcastle.

The Spectator’s View tipped Woodman to be one of the most exciting academy prospects last month.

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