West Ham United Academy starlet Josh Briggs is hoping to cap a strong couple of seasons by helping Northern Ireland to achieve success at the upcoming UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
The 18-year-old, who signed for the Hammers from NIFL Premiership side Linfield in August 2022, is part of manager Gareth McAuley’s squad for the competition, which is being held in his home country for the first time between 15-28 July.
After captaining Northern Ireland’s U18s during the Tri-Nations Trophy earlier this summer, and then being involved for the U19s in two warm-up draws against Slovakia, Briggs feels ready to make his mark on an even more significant stage.
The hosts, appearing at the tournament for just the second time, will kick-off their Group A campaign against Ukraine in Larne at 7pm BST on Monday 15 July, before further clashes with Italy on Thursday 18 July at 7pm BST and Norway on Sunday 21 July at 7pm BST.
Belfast-born centre-back Briggs said: “We know we’re in a tough group and it’s going to be difficult, but none of us can wait to get going. No matter what happens, we’re going to go out there and do our best.
“It’s always a special feeling playing for your country, and it’ll be an honour and a special moment to do that at a European Championship.
“We know we’re one of the underdogs going into it, but the manager [McAuley] gives us loads of advice, and has just told us to believe in ourselves and not have any regrets.
“I’ll look to make my own impact on the pitch. It was amazing to wear the captain’s armband for the U18s, and although off the pitch I can be a bit shy, on the pitch I feel like I’m a natural leader. Hopefully I can continue that.”
A spot at next year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup is up for grabs for the top five of the eight nations competing at the Euros, and Briggs already has one eye on future success both on international and domestic fronts.
Having signed his first professional contract at West Ham in March earlier this year, he is looking to translate his strong summer form to the Club scene, and build on a 2023/24 season that saw him score two goals in 23 appearances for the U18s, and feature three times off the bench for the U21s.
Josh Briggs bags our fifth goal just moments after entering the action! 👏 pic.twitter.com/d3fSz9GAJc
— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 26, 2023
“To be part of a Northern Ireland team that qualifies for the World Cup would be unbelievable,” added Briggs, who scored with his first touch in West Ham’s 2023 FA Youth Cup final win over Arsenal.
“There’s lots to look forward to, and after the Euros I’m excited to get back into it with West Ham. I think we’ve got another really good group going into the new campaign, so I can’t wait.
“I’ve loved my time at the Club so far. When I first came over to England it was tough, but I’ve worked with amazing coaches, such as Mark Robson and Kev [Keen], and they’ve really helped me as a player and a person.
“It was great to sign my pro deal, and to be part of a strong Northern Irish group here now, with the likes of Callum Marshall, Michael Forbes, and Patrick Kelly. Things are looking good, and hopefully that can continue.”
The tournament will be broadcast in the UK by BBC Sport, and across Europe by UEFA's rightsholders. To find out where to watch in your country, click HERE.
Everyone at West Ham United wishes Josh the best at an historic tournament for him and Northern Ireland.
