Exciting Academy prospect Harry Amass is flying the Watford flag on the international stage for England’s Under-16s, adding silverware to a landmark campaign which has seen the left-back rub shoulders with the Hornets’ first-team squad and excel in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.
Beating hosts Cyprus, rivals Scotland and highly-rated Denmark to lift their latest trophy in late February, the Young Lions picked 15-year-old Amass to represent his nation for a third time at Under-16 level, with the defender previously shining at younger age groups.
With more opportunities to impress at upcoming youth tournaments, Amass was delighted to lift the trophy, concluding with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Danes in the final fixture.
“It was a great experience, playing with the best players in the country and it improves my game. It’s a great challenge,” Amass began.
“In the first game we played against Cyprus, which was in their home country and we won 3-0.
“The next game felt like a derby because England v Scotland has a lot of history to it. It was a really good game that we won 3-0 again, and there was a big crowd.
“We played Denmark in the final game, and a win for either team would be enough to win the trophy so it felt like a final, and we won 1-0!”
The decisive clash was ultimately won by an own goal, and Amass played the full 90 minutes at the Geroskipou Municipality Stadium as the Three Lions triumphed.
“Denmark are a very good team, technical like most Danish sides and well organised,” said Amass. “They’re probably one of the hardest countries I’ve faced but it was a really good game and a great feeling to lift the trophy at the end.”
First called up at Under-15 level in December 2021 aged just 14, Amass went on to make his international debut in the Torneo Delli Nazioni, facing hosts Italy, Chile, Slovenia and Romania before appearing for the Under-16s in August 2022.
The youngster is thrilled to hear the national anthem before games and have his family watching on with pride, appreciating every moment in an England shirt.
“I feel really proud to represent my country,” smiled Amass. “It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. It’s amazing going out there; playing for your country and making your family proud is a good feeling.”
Amass’ international success has coincided with impressive progression at club level, becoming one of the youngest regulars in Charlie Daniels’ Under-18 side and excelling in the FA Youth Cup games against Everton and Arsenal.
That good form caught the eye of first-team staff during January’s injury crisis, leading to Amass - along with a handful of Academy teammates - joining the senior group for training and making the matchday squad for the FA Cup third-round tie at Reading.
Although the starlet didn’t come on in the game, the experience of travelling with established professional footballers was an unforgettable one.
“The first-team experience was surreal,” Amass reflected. “You’re playing with footballers you see on TV! I had a couple of training sessions with them and got used to it, and being on the bench and seeing the fans was really good.”
For England and Amass a prestigious tournament awaits in France later this year, with the Young Hornet eager to be selected to face the world’s best in his age group.
“There are some great teams in there,” explained Amass. “France, Germany, Belgium and Brazil; players like Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo have played in the tournament.
“It’s like the World Cup for our age. You try to play your best football for your club and hope to be selected for the squad and then train out there before the games.”
