Ryan Mason is backing England for glory at the Euro’s this summer, as well as his Tottenham side for Premier League glory next season.
We at FootballFanCast.com were lucky enough to speak with the 24-year-old Englishman this week, and he gave us his thoughts on England and Euro 2016, as well as an insight into his relationship with Mauricio Pochettino and his hopes for next season.
Mason – a Lilywhite through and through – graduated from the youth academy at White Hart Lane and has gone on to become a key figure in the first team squad since returning from an impressive loan spell at Swindon Town during the 2013/14 season.
Despite suffering both knee and ankle injuries earlier in the campaign, keeping him out for a fair portion of the season, Mason still made 29 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with two goals and captaining his boyhood club for the first ever time during a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in the Europa League.
Ryan was helping Farah menswear’s #MatchReady campaign find the perfect pub for England fans to watch all the action this summer, and took time out of his busy schedule to chat with us. Here is what he had to say ….
How do you see England doing this summer?
“Hopefully very well. They are a young team with some experienced players in their as well. Im sure they will go out with no fear, think they are the big team, worry out themselves and perform to the best of their abilities.”
Is there any particular non-Spurs player you think will shine at the Euro’s?
“I wouldn’t pick one particular player out to be honest, I’m just going to watch it and enjoy the spectacle. There are lots of exciting players and I’m sure they’ll be some players who will have a little ‘purple patch’ over the Euro’s. It’s going to be good to watch.”
Except for yourself, was there anybody in the England squad that you were surprised didn’t get a call up for this summer?
“Obviously there is always speculation and there are players who have a good season and are in good form. You can make an argument for them being in the squad but, at the end of the day, the manager is the one who picks the squad, the final group, that goes to the ChampionshipS that he thinks is best suited to do well and win it. You can’t argue with the gaffer’s decision.”
Are you excited for the prospect of the Champions League football next season, and do you think that it will create more competition in the squad for places?
“Definitely. That is what we work for as a club. That was our aim last season, a top four finish, and we’ve done that. We’ve guaranteed Champions League football next year so, obviously everyone at the football club is excited and we will go into next season with more experience under our belt as players will be a player older.
“We all want to play in those big games on the Champions League nights, and obviously the Premier League too so there is going to be plenty of competition for spaces.”
Any fixture in particular you would be hoping for next season in the Champion’s League?
“Obviously from a personal point of view, I’d love to play against Real Madrid and Barcelona. Those are the two stand out names for me, but there are some massive names in the competition. We will be drawn against some big clubs and we need to embrace it, enjoy the occasion and hopefully do well.”
Next season, you’ve got a fairly packed midfield at Tottenham, do you think you will continue to get a good look into the side?
“Yeah of course. I have faith in my ability and I have an advantage because of having six weeks off over the summer so I can rest up, work hard and make sure I go back into pre-season a better player. And with our manager, I’m sure it probably will be a clean slate and whoever performs well in the pre-season games will be starting the season.
“For me, I need to make sure I’m one of the best players in pre-season so that the manager can’t leave me out on the opening day of the season.”
Could you touch upon your relationship with Pochettino. Obviously the Spurs players have all reacted positively to him, so what is it like to work under him?
“Oh it’s brilliant. He’s fantastic. He is a great human being, he is a great person and he has got the coaching staff around him that are very tight and lead the way in what they want the players to be like.
“They are very together and passionate about working hard and that translates to the players on the training pitch. He has bought a sort of camaraderie to our squad.
“He is brilliant on a personal level, obviously he gave me my chance and his doors always open, he’s easy to talk to and he’s honest as well so that is all you can ask of from a manager.”
Is there any player you could single out who is the best player you’ve faced in the Premier League?
“It’s difficult you know, because the Premier League is packed with world class players, its the toughest league in the and it doesn’t matter who you are playing it’s always a difficult game.
“From a personal point of view, I’d say Michael Carrick is one of the best I’ve played against in midfield. He is phenomenal for what he does for the team.”
So to finish off, just a couple of quick-fire answers: Winner of the Euros?
“England.” Yeah, good shout.”
Premier League? Or do I not need to ask that?
“No, I don’t think you need to ask that!”
Top four?
“Tottenham, Man United, Man City and… Leicester.”
Favourite away day?
“That is difficult. For atmosphere, I love the old grounds. Anfield, Goodison Park, and Upton Park was rocking last season as well. I do like those old stadiums where you can feel the passion from the fans.”
Thank you, Ryan!
Farah Menswear and The Thinking Drinkers crowned The Water Poet in Shoreditch the number one destination for fans who want to watch this Euro’s this summer, calling it the ‘Joe Hart of pubs, a safe pair of hands and a City favourite. Farah menswear #MatchReady campaign is helping style conscious fans prepare for EURO 2016. Visit: http://www.farah.co.uk/blog?post=the-ultimate-farah-pub-guide
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