George Evans of Manchester City Interview Exclusive
George Evans of Manchester City was the only English youth player to be taken on Manchester City's pre-season tour in Austria. The 17 year old, from Greater Manchester, was also recently called up to the England U19 side that went to Germany this past month as a replacement for John Lundstram of Everton. We were able to snag a few minutes of George's time and ask him about life at Manchester City as well as what life is like as an England international.
George Evans of Manchester City
George, hello! First of all, tell us where you were born, your position, and at what age you joined Manchester City…
My name is George Evans and I was born in Heald Green, Stockport, Greater Manchester. I play centre midfield and I'm 17. I joined City when I was age 6.
You played for Cheadle & Gatley with Hallam Hope growing up, in your opinion how much do those formative years of playing with a future international teammate actually help on the pitch?
Yes it helps immensely as you get to know their character and their game from a very early age which can only be beneficial on the pitch
Who are your best mates in the England setup?
For me, Adam Jackson of Middlesbrough, Raheem Sterling of Liverpool, and Nick Powell of Manchester United.
What about football in general?
Definitely Devante Cole (also of Manchester City – son of Andrew).
Speaking of the international level, you were first called into the England setup at U16 level – if you had to put that feeling into words, how can you best describe pulling on the 3 lions shirt for the first time?
It was a massive honour playing for my country and at the time it was the best moment of my life.
You also were part of the U17s who traveled to Mexico to take part in the U17 World Cup. Unbelievable progress and unfortunate to lose to a strong German side – what's your best memory of that tournament?
The day before the Uruguay game the whole squad got stuck in the hotel lift and the banter flying around made it one of the funniest experiences of the whole trip but in terms of football it was my substitute appearance against Uruguay the following day.
Who had the best banter?
Adam Morgan (of Liverpool) and Blair Turgott (of West Ham).
Now – to Manchester City! There are a wealth of young English players in and around your age group, this has to be a refreshing feeling. Who is your pick for 'one for the future' out of those you play with?
Either Jordi Hiwula or Ashley Smith-Brown. Both are top players.
What are your aims for the next 12 months – at both club and international levels?
I want to make my Manchester City debut and make the U20 World Cup squad
With Manchester City bankrolling some additional foreign talent over the past few summers, is it ever a topic of debate about the queue in front of young English players like yourself at the club?
Not really as we accept that Manchester City want the best players in every position for every age group as every game is a must win game. All players want to test themselves against the best players in the world.
Who is the player you look up to the most at City?
Would either have to be Yaya Toure or Jack Rodwell.
In terms of coaching at club versus country level, what are the major differences?
Club training is more intense on a day to day basis but in terms of quality then international training is up there with the best.
Quickly describe to us a normal days training at City!
Arrive at Carrington at 9am to do my own core work then have breakfast before commencing training at 11am until around 1pm, we then have lunch and in the afternoon it's a mixture of education, gym work or 5 a side depending on the day.
OK some quick fire questions…
Best coach you've ever worked with…Mancini
Best player you've ever played with…Yaya Toure
Best player you've seen play…Messi
Favourite brand of boots to wear…Umbro
Nandos or Pizza? TGI Fridays
Win the World Cup with England, or the League with Manchester City? Both!
Cheryl Cole or Pippa Middleton? Cheryl Cole
X-Factor or Britain's Got Talent? X-Factor
One attribute about your playing style that you could change…Score more goals.
Finally, if you were to name a player you are most like…who would that player be?
Probably have to say…mmm…Jack Rodwell.
Thank you so much for your time George! We wish you the best of luck and look forward to following your progress and development at both club and international level.
England U17s Euro Qualifying Squad (First Round)
England U16s 2012 Victory Shield Squad vs Wales