Wales' fight for Woodburn

Last updated : 18 February 2023 By Adam Bryant

Ben Woodburn is hot property after breaking into Liverpool's first team this season.

The 17-year-old forward was thrust into the media spotlight after becoming Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer when he netted the winner in the League Cup quarter-final game with Leeds back in November...

But many Liverpool fans already knew what a talent the club had on their hands.

Woodburn joined the Academy at Under-7 level and has worked his way up the ranks, making his Under-18's debut in the 2015-16 season at the age of 15, and ended it as joint top scorer.

Under Jurgen Klopp this season he has become a regular in the first team squad and had several chances to impress both the Welsh and English national team coaches.

Born in Chester with Welsh blood in his mother's side of the family, Woodburn was in the position to choose which country to play for.

He has captained the Welsh Under 17's side and played for the Under 19's, but when it comes to full internationals he had to make a decision.

Having led Wales to the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championship in France, Chris Coleman has given the country a sense of pride, while England continue to disappoint, tournament after tournament, with Roy Hodgson's replacement Sam Allardyce lasting only one game in the job before heading out through the revolving door. Hopefully Garath Southgate can steady the ship, but Woodburn's decision was certainly easier because of the turmoil last summer.

Wales take on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 24th March in what will be a crucial World Cup qualifier if they are to guarantee a place in the finals in Russia next summer.

Let's hope Woodburn gets his moment to shine and maybe be the matchwinner once again.