After scoring the opening goal in the EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool to help his side earn a place in the final,, EA SPORTS™ spoke to Southampton’s Nathan Redmond, as he looked forward his outing at Wembley. He gave us his thoughts on the key to success against Manchester United in the final and what it would mean to him to break into the England first team.
EA SPORTS™ : How did it feel to score the first goal in the first leg of the semi-final against Liverpool?
N R : It felt great, really great. I would have been even happier to have scored two or three on the night, which I feel I had the chances to. Essentially, it was the goal that won the game so looking back it was a great feeling!
EA SPORTS™ : What do you think the key is to lifting the trophy next weekend?
N R : Just doing the same that we’ve done throughout the whole competition. I think we’re the first team to not concede a goal in the competition so that will be the foundation. We are working on our game plan this week which we will have to try and implement.
EA SPORTS™ : It is every kids dream to play at Wembley, how does it feel to know your footballing journey has taken you to Wembley?
N R : It hasn’t really sunk in yet! I don’t think it will until a day or two before the game. I’ve played at Wembley before with Norwich in the playoff final where I scored and the team won, which means I sort of know what it takes to play there, but it’s a different competition and occasion. The day out for the fans and the excitement leading up to it is something that is very special. To have experienced playing at Wembley early on in my career and to be playing there again, I feel very fortunate and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
EA SPORTS™ : What would you say to any budding young wingers out there looking to start their journey into football?
N R : Just enjoy it, enjoy playing the game. Always remember where you started. When you do get the opportunity to impress, wherever you might be playing, you have to take it because essentially you never know who is watching and what can happen.
EA SPORTS™ : Do you guys here at Southampton get to play FIFA 17 much?
N R : There’s not too much time to play to be honest, not even on the team bus! But during pre-season on away trips we get to play quite a lot then. There is definitely a bit of competition. It is football after all – we’re all competitive!
EA SPORTS™ : When you’re away with the Under 21’s on England duty, is there a lot more FIFA 17 played there? Who are some of the best FIFA players there? Do you put yourself up there with the best?
N R : Yeah, we play quite a bit. I wouldn’t really put myself up there with the best, I’m not that good but I’m okay. I think some of the guys must be practising a lot more than I do. I know Demarai Gray is good, I think Lewis Baker is pretty good as well. The best lads are the ones who play it in their rooms; we normally play on these pod stations in the hallways outside the rooms. You can sometimes hear some of the lads screaming late at night when someone has scored!
EA SPORTS™ : You’ve been one of the stars of the Under 21 side; how much would it mean to you to break into the England first team?
N R : It would mean the world to me. As you said before, kids dream of getting to Wembley, playing “Wembley singles” and “Wembley doubles” and this is the same as that. You always dream of playing for your country at senior level at Wembley, it’s always one of your main goals. It has always been a dream of mine and I’d love to achieve that dream if the opportunity came my way. The pathway is there from playing for the Under 21s, so if I keep working hard and playing for Southampton, then hopefully the chances will come.
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