Josh King on Miami experiences

Josh King says that the opportunity to train with the senior England men’s team in Florida ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is an ‘incredible feeling’.

Following an impressive breakthrough campaign with boyhood club Fulham, the midfielder was invited to join Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad for their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations alongside fellow youngsters Alex Scott, Ethan Nwaneri and Rio Ngumoha following the squad announcement in May. 

The 19 year old featured in 32 of the Cottagers’ 38 Premier League matches this season, as well as lining up for the Young Lions at MU19 and MU21 level.

Coincidentally, the teenager admitted that he was already meant to be flying out to Miami on a post-season family holiday before he got the call from FA director of football John McDermott.

“It was a couple of weeks before camp. I got a call from John and he sort of said to me that there’s a possibility that you might be involved with training and stuff. He was just asking whether I had any holidays and whether I’d be up for it. Obviously, I was very much up for it; I was really excited.

“He came back to me a week later and I was buzzing. I called my family and everything. I’m really happy to be here.

“To be fair, I was meant to be in Miami anyway. I don’t know if John believed me, because it was a crazy coincidence but my mum was doing a conference here so I would've been here on a family holiday anyway.

“She’s a senior lecturer at a university but she’s just done a PhD in sickle cell disease. She’s over here talking about that at the conference.

“[It’s been] really good. I think before coming, I was excited to get going and a little bit nervous but I think the rest of the group have been really top level. They’ve made me feel really welcome. There’s no egos here, which I think is a really good sign of a good team and I think they’ll go a long way because of that.”

The invitation to train with the Three Lions ahead of a major tournament was a fantastic way to cap off what has been a momentous season in King’s fledgling career.

Having joined Fulham at the age of five, the Wimbledon-born midfielder became a regular for Marco Silva’s side this season and scored his first Premier League goal in a 3-1 win over Burnley in March.

Although he isn’t part of England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, the opportunity to train with the men’s senior team ahead of the tournament isn’t something the youngster is taking for granted.

“Representing England is probably the thing you dream about most. Obviously, playing for your club, and then to play at that higher level on the big stage with everyone watching.

“Even though I’m not going to be part of the squad, just being able to contribute and when the lads hopefully go all the way, knowing I’ve been able to help the team achieve something is such an incredible feeling.

“I think when I first came into the England set up at MU15s, you put on the shirt but you don’t fully know what it means to be putting on that shirt. I think the older I’ve got, the prouder I’ve become of the shirt and being surrounded by such top players. I think every time I train and play, I want to show what I can do and bring a good atmosphere for myself and make the club and country proud.

“It’s just incredible, really. A really proud moment for my family and everybody who supports me. I’m just really, really happy to be involved.”

That support network is something King credits frequently, detailing his appreciation for his nearest and dearest, as well as the coaches who have been a part of his footballing journey.

“It’s probably the most important thing you can have, that support system which I have around me is really strong," he added.

"It’s probably part of the reason I’ve done so well and got to where I’ve got. It’s nice to be able to give back to them and have these sorts of experiences where it feels like everything that they’ve helped me with has got to this moment. It’s such an important thing.

“There’s a lot of ups and downs in football and I think being able to have that support system helps you to stay level-headed throughout and stay consistent.”

After the camp concludes, there may even be time for King to enjoy that well-earned family holiday!