Sometimes the international break can be a frustration for fans; a pause in domestic matters which can stunt momentum, and stifle progress. However, for Fulham (and England) fans, this will be one the most highly anticipated England camps in years.
That is because our very own Josh King has been called up by Thomas Tuchel, and deservedly so. The 19 year old has been on fine form this season, and has been rewarded with a first official senior call-up. He could make his England debut next Thursday against Croatia at Wembley. England also play Spain in Madrid on the following Sunday.
It was, of course, the story of the day at Motspur Park and was the main talking point ahead of the press conference.
Alvaro Arbeloa started his presser fresh off the news of King’s inclusion in the England squad, so it was the first question.
Arbeloa: “This is a special moment for him, for us as a club and obviously for our supporters. I think Josh is the pride of our club and our supporters”, said Arbeloa.
“He came to this club when he was eight years old. And now, when you look at him, how he’s playing, how he’s performing, we are really proud of him. So I think it’s a big step for him. I’m so happy for him because he’s a very humble kid.
“You can see every day he wants to improve, he wants to work, he wants to become a better player every day. So I think it’s a special day for him and for all of us”
Arbeloa continued: “He’s obviously a very talented player that he can receive between the lines, where there is no space, he can turn, he can run, he can dribble with the ball. So he has everything and we are working with him about his finishing. Obviously, he needs to improve that and it’s the most difficult thing in football, scoring goals.
“But his mentality, his character, he’s a very mature player. You can’t forget that he’s just 19 years old, so it’s unbelievable how he’s performing. And yes, I think he has everything to become one of the best players in the world.”
Next, Arbeloa was asked about Fulham’s recent upturn in league in form:
“We are far from where I want to see my team, but obviously we are giving small steps. And when I told my players the other day, I believe, you don’t believe because you win. You win because you believe.
“And that was confident means. Believe in yourself even when you are not winning. And that was the most important thing for me when we were in a difficult moment.
“We believe in ourselves, we believe in the way that we were playing and we know that we have to fight every game. We are not better than any team. We have to fight for every goal.
“We have to run more than the others and after that we are a team that we like to keep the ball, we like to create chances but you have to fight for everything every day and you have to give your best if you want to win any game.”
Arbeloa had an update on team news, with one player missing out for tomorrow’s game:
“Yes, everyone is fit. Just Tom Cairney has some issues in his knee, so I don’t want to take any risks with him. He will not be available for tomorrow’s game, so he will be available for after the international break.
“And he’s very important for us and I think he will be very, very important for us during the season, so I don’t want to take any risk. I talked with him, he wanted to push but I think the best thing for us as a team and for him is to don’t take any risk with him.”
There were more questions about King - here’s what Arbeloa said about what it’s like to manage the teenager:
“I think from where I came, working with very young players. So since the first day that I arrived, I saw a very talented player. I saw a player that wants to be better every day.
“He’s a very demanding player and he wants to improve. For me, it’s not just about his quality, his talent, it’s about the mentality and the character. The other day before the match, usually, the players with more experience, They like to talk and they like to give a small speech before we play.
“And he did it the other day. He was amazing. And you can see that he has everything: the character, the mentality, the quality.
“So I think he’s in the way to become a star, a very, very important player in this world. I’m so happy that I coached him, helped him to develop and reach his level. But he needs to stay humble like he is.
“I’m not worried about that. I know that he needs to continue improving, he needs to continue scoring goals and making numbers. I think I’m here to help him to reach his level.”
There’s some more quotes to come from AA at 5pm, this can be found on my Patreon and X pages.
Tomorrow is a big game for both sides, but a huge chance for Fulham to go into the final international break of 2026 with good morale throughout the club.
See you at the Cottage tomorrow and enjoy the game!
COYW!