Liam Delap may have only just begun his journey in the Premier League, but the Ipswich Town striker is already looking ahead to some exciting international tournaments. After making his first start in August, Delap is poised to play a significant role in the upcoming U21 European Championships in Slovakia under the guidance of coach Lee Carsley. With England aiming to defend their title from 2023, the stakes are high.
The 22-year-old forward also has eyes on next year's FIFA World Cup, viewing these international competitions as pivotal to his career. "It’s a motivation for any player inside this group or even outside of it," Delap stated. "It’s an honour and a dream for anyone to play at a major tournament. We have an unbelievable team, so hopefully we can do special things in the summer at the Euros."
Recently called up to train with the senior England squad alongside stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, Delap expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. "It was an incredible experience. They’re all players I look up to, admire and carve my game upon. There is so much expression of freedom. They let you be you, obviously in a structured way, but they let you be yourself," he explained.
Training with Kane, the all-time leading goalscorer for England, was a highlight for Delap. "That was the first time I’ve trained with him. He is someone I’ve looked up to for ages. He’s got everything and has had the most amazing career," Delap said. He recalled his admiration for Kane's skill set, sharing, "For someone like me to look up to him and then watch him live is an incredible experience." He also made sure to observe Kane closely during shooting drills, noting, "Everything goes in. His all-around game is incredible and he’s played at the top level for so long."
In his first complete Premier League season with Ipswich, Delap has made quite an impact, scoring 10 goals in 28 matches, despite the club's current positioning in the relegation zone. "I’ve always had that belief that I could [take to the Premier League quickly]. I had the backing of the manager [Kieran McKenna] and all the players which has helped me push on. Credit to them because they have given me the confidence and the belief," he stated regarding his performance and support from teammates.
The struggle to avoid relegation hasn’t dampened Delap’s spirit or his praise for McKenna. "He’s incredible, such a good guy. He’s improved and helped me so much, it’s just the little things. His ability to get the best out of every player is really good. I owe a lot of my development to him," Delap expressed, emphasizing the coach's positive influence on his career.
As Delap prepares for the European Championships, he balances the challenges of club and international football. Driven by his ambitions and the desire to compete at a high level, he sees the upcoming tournaments as crucial stepping stones. The forward’s dedication reflects not just his journey but the aspirations of many young players aiming to leave their mark on the sport.
In summary, Liam Delap is not just focused on proving himself at Ipswich Town, but is also preparing to contribute significantly for England in the European Championships and the FIFA World Cup. His commitment and passion for the game position him favorably within both his club and national teams, pointing to a promising future in professional football.
