James Simmonds        

Date of birth: 3 December 1987

Height: 178cm

Weight: 73kg

Position: Midfield

Former club: Chelsea FC

Favourite player and why: Lionel Messi - he’s the best player in the world, but very humble. He can win a game by himself, yet he is a superb team player. His dribbling and technique are so entertaining to watch.

Sporting ambition: To play at the highest level possible in the Premier League, La Liga or Seria A and to represent my country at the Euros and the World Cup.

Career highlight to date: Representing England at youth level against Spain, France, Brazil and Portugal.

What’s the best thing about the GHA: Being coached by such a strong and experienced coaching team and to live and learn in Spain and playing against high level Spanish opposition.

What have you learnt from Glenn and the team: How to play in the holding role, as the back of the diamond. Better ways of movement off the ball enabling me to be better placed to receive the ball. Things are only easy if you can do them 20 times out of 20.