Shrewsbury Town youngster opens up on ‘big season’ ahead after injury setback
Isaac England on his Shrewsbury Town journey, first-team breakthrough and injury problem.
Shrewsbury Town teenager Isaac England has described the new campaign as a “big season” for his development.
England is entering his second season as a professional with his boyhood club, having joined Shrewsbury at the age of five and progressed through the academy ranks.
After signing a three-year deal last August, England became a regular in midfield during the first half of last season. However, injury and illness hampered the latter stages of his breakthrough campaign.
Now, after a summer of recovery, the 18-year-old - who has been handed the number four shirt - has high hopes for the new term.
England told the Talking Shrimp podcast: “I was born in Shrewsbury, I joined the club at the age of five. So firstly, coming through the ranks, all I have wanted to do is play for the first team.
“Making that step was something I always knew I had to do. It has gone really well for me.
“This season is a big season for me. I need to get a lot of football under my belt. Learning from the experienced players will help massively.”
England has the likes of veteran midfielder Jack Price to learn from, alongside Tom Sang and fellow youngster Jay Turner-Cooke.
The teenager and fellow academy graduate Will Gray have both made a big impact, rising through the ranks to become members of Gavin Cowan’s first-team squad.
England made 16 League Two appearances last season while also studying for his A-levels at Shrewsbury School.
Boss Gavin Cowan has spoken highly of his young midfielders, and England is raring to go for the new campaign after seeing his progress disrupted towards the end of last season.
He added: “The new manager came in at the back end of last year and unfortunately within two weeks I did my ankle a little bit, which set me back.
“I wasn’t training as freely. When I was, I was playing with pain.
“The gaffer made a decision to give me a bit of time off. I have done a lot of work in the off-season and am injury free now.”
You can find the full podcast episode here.
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