A ST HELENS born footballer will be on the plane to the Qatar World Cup later this month.

Conor Coady, who grew up in Haydock and played for Rainford Rangers, has been included in Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old centre back is one of nine defenders who will fly to Qatar, with England's first game against Iran scheduled on Monday, November 21.

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St Helens Star: Coady has been impressive since joining Everton on loan at the start of the seasonCoady has been impressive since joining Everton on loan at the start of the season (Image: PA)

Joining Everton on loan at the start of the season, the former Wolves captain has been a solid addition in shoring up the Toffee's defence after last season's relegation battle.

He has notched ten caps for his country, and his presence and leadership qualities were commended by England manager Southgate at last year's Euros, despite him not playing a game.

The 26-man team includes stalwarts under Southgate's tenure, such as Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Declan Rice, and Harry Kane.

James Maddison and Callum Wilson have also made the call-up, while players such as Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney, and James Ward-Prowse have missed out.

 

Speaking about his first call up for England, Conor said: "I've played football, thought about football, and supported football all of my life.

"To play for England is just the top - the highest thing you can do. To receive the call from the gaffer is a conversation I'll remember for the rest of my life.

"It was an absolutely incredible moment [...] following your dreams are the ones that take you to different worlds and different places."

St Helens Star: Coady won Sportsperson of the Year at the St Helens Pride Awards in 2018Coady won Sportsperson of the Year at the St Helens Pride Awards in 2018 (Image: St Helens Star)

In addition to his footballing achievements, Coady has also been commended for his chartable work off the pitch.

This includes work with Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign to support the LGBT+ community in football and the 'Football For Change' project which aims to help disadvantaged young people into employment.

Coady was also voted Sportsperson of the Year at the Pride of St Helens Awards in 2018, and a huge mural was created in his hometown of Haydock to celebrate his acheivements earlier this year.

St Helens Star: The Conor Coady mural in HaydockThe Conor Coady mural in Haydock (Image: St Helens Star)