Brentwood School pupil is following famous footballing tradition

Brentwood School has a long and illustrious history of nurturing top footballers and another player is coming through the ranks. Fourth Year Jacob Knightbridge has been selected to play for England in next week’s U15 fixture against Belgium.

Fifteen-year-old Jacob, who is part of the West Ham Academy (where he has been since the age of seven), joined the squad on Saturday 9th Feb at St George’s Park, the English Football Association's national football centre at Burton upon Trent, to kick off four days of training ahead of the game.

Goalkeeper Jacob, who started playing competitive football when he was five years old, initially played in defence before starting to play in goal two years later. As well as training with the Academy, he also plays for the School U15 team.

It will be Jacob’s first England call-up. Selectors started watching some of his matches at the start of the 2017/2018 season and he attended two England age group training camps in 2018 – a dedicated goalkeeping camp and a second including outfield players. This season he has come under their scrutiny a further three times.

Jacob’s parents, Simon and Deborah, and his two very proud grandads will be in the stands for Wednesday’s international (13th Feb). Dad, Simon Knightbridge, said: ‘We are very proud of Jacob, this is a great achievement for him.’

Brentwood’s footballing alumni include: Frank Lampard, the all-time leading goalscorer for Chelsea, where he played for 13 years, and current manager of Championship club Derby County; former Millwall player and current manager Neil Harris; Elliot Lee [Luton Town]; Olly Lee [Hearts]; and Flynn Downes (Ipswich Town).