Middlesbrough’s Dael Fry is aiming to emulate his club team-mate Jonathan Woodgate by reaching the top of his profession – starting with helping England U17s qualify for the European Championship in Malta.
Fry won his third cap on Wednesday as he helped the Young Lions defeat Holland 2-0 in their opening match of the Algarve Tournament in Portugal.
Not only did the big defender help to shut out the Dutch attack, but he showed all the technique and ability his opponents are famed for by delivering an inch-perfect 40-yard pass for Josh Sims to race on to and open the scoring.
Jonathan Woodgate in action for Middlesbrough
Fry lined-up alongside Charlton Athletic’s Joseph Gomez in defence and he believes they made a good pairing.
“I enjoyed playing with Joseph,” he said. “I’d never played with him before but he is a really good player. He was always talking to me and getting things organised.
“I’d like to think that I’m a Vincent Kompany type of defender. I try to get my head on the ball, try to lead and be very vocal, so we worked well together.
“Defensively as a team we were great, the midfield worked really hard all game, blocking passes and stopping their number ten who kept dropping deep.”
And on his assist, the modest Teessider added: “I picked up the ball and spotted the run of Simsy and just played him through. It was a great finish and I am just pleased we got the lead and the win.
“I want to give it everything this week and hopefully do enough to win my place in the squad for the Elites. It would be unbelievable to get picked and help my country qualify for the Euros.”
Head coach John Peacock told TheFA.com of his pleasure at the defensive display from his team, and Fry says that his confidence will be sky high.
“It was good to get the clean sheet. It’s important to win the game, but as a defender I wanted to stop them scoring and we did that.
“It’s important to win the game, but as a defender I wanted to stop them scoring and we did that.”
Dael Fry
“The passing at international level is so quick compared to what I am used to. It is sometimes difficult to keep up and you have to stay focussed all the time.
“With me only being fairly new to the squad, it is a big confident booster to hear the boss praising the defence.
“When I go back to Boro I go with a lot of confidence. It’s great to have that going into a game and it will help to bring the best out of me for the rest of the season.”
And it is back at Middlesbrough’s Rockcliffe Park training ground where Fry’s mentor is on hand to guide him.
Fry explained: “Jonathan Woodgate is at Boro and he’s a great role model. He has played all over the world at such a high level.
“Playing for England, Real Madrid and also in the Champions League. He also played in the League Cup final with Tottenham and got the winning goal.
“He’s a big influence on me and at the club and really good for the young lads. I ask him questions every day after training and games and he always stops to give advice. It’s great for my development.”
After Wednesday’s shut-out of the Holland, Fry will be hoping to add to his three caps when England take on Portugal at the Algarve Stadium on Friday afternoon.
