Thursday 14 March 2024 will forever be a special day for West Ham United’s George Earthy.
The 19-year-old midfielder has already achieved much in his time at the Academy of Football, including winning the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League South title for our all-conquering Under-18 side last season.
But he can now add an achievement in senior football to the list, having made his Hammers debut as a late substitute in our thumping 5-0 win over SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg at London Stadium.
The Irons were at their imperious best to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and march on to a third consecutive continental quarter-final and Earthy was thrilled to make his bow on such a jubilant night – and now is hungry for more.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet [that I’ve made my debut], but it’s a surreal moment,” he said. “I’ve been working for it a long time – my whole life pretty much – so to get it today, I’m absolutely buzzing.
“[It’s been a process from] being here from about five-years-old, working all the way up to where I am now, then training with the first team and you have to take your chances when you get them.
“I’m absolutely buzzing right now to get the chance to come on.”
When the goals started flowing in east London, Earthy admitted he allowed himself the thought that David Moyes might call for him from the bench.
It still had not prepared him for the feeling when that moment did arrive, however.
He said: “When it was 3-0, I was thinking maybe another goal would give me a chance! To come on then, I’m a bit speechless at the moment.
“At 4-0 the manager told Ingsy [Danny Ings] and Kalvin [Phillips] to get ready and stripped, and I’m sitting there thinking it might not be me today. But then he turned around and said my name, and when we were waiting on the touchline he just said 'enjoy it and go and play your stuff'.
“It’s surreal being on the pitch at London Stadium playing with all these players around me, who I’ve watched for so many years.”
Earthy was able to share the experience of being part of the squad for Thursday’s game with several of his Academy teammates, making the occasion all the more special for them all.
Now having joined the likes of Divin Mubama, Kaelan Casey and Ollie Scarles in featuring in Europe for the Hammers, he says the task now is to build on this experience.
He added: “Jacob Knightbrige, Lewis Orford, Divin Mubama and Kaelan Casey were all on the bench tonight, and we’ve all known each other since we were nine or ten.
“So to come up with each other and all be on the bench together is a surreal feeling for all of us.
“It’s just the start really. I’ve got to keep working hard, hopefully get as many chances as I can, but today is a very special moment for me and my family. I want to keep it going now.”
Earthy is expected to be in the U21s' squad for their Premier League 2 fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday evening, which you can follow here and on our official app.
