By Uma Ghelani
For EURO 2024, these very special trading cards were made, depicting the England team when they were younger at their grassroots junior football teams.
Why were these made?
The idea for this came as an extension of the illustration series that was produced for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. By showing these players were once also local lads with a dream, who came through the same system that millions of children are currently playing in, these trading cards inspire and connect fans to the team.
They also highlight the grassroots clubs that are the vital launching pad for so many careers — it is important to make sure that these clubs are properly funded and supported so that the next generation can follow in the footsteps of the current squad.
Who illustrated them?
These cards were drawn by Harry G Ward. Using pictures supplied by the players of themselves when they were younger, he stylised them playing football in their grassroots kits. In true trading card style, he also added Easter eggs such as club crests, hometown landmarks, and various other elements important to each player’s beginnings. For example, on Jarrod Bowen’s card, the wheelbarrow he used to train on his dad’s farm in the off-season is featured.
How were these cards used?
Only seven copies of the full set were made; one of these sets is part of our Football Heritage Collection. One set was given to the players: the cards were actually presented to each of them by William, Prince of Wales ahead of the start of the tournament.
Alongside these trading cards, Harry G Ward also created a mural featuring the England team together, but as children wearing their childhood team kits. It was printed and hung in the Blankenhain base camp, England’s EURO 2024 training base.
Seeing the mural whilst training for the EURO 2024 served as a a reminder of how far they’d come and what they were playing for. They were playing for their country, but also for their local areas, younger selves, and all the young lads that are currently coming through the ranks at these grassroots teams.
These cards are truly unique objects to have in the collection, as they celebrate the origins of the players and their individual journeys, serving to inspire the next generation.