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Jodi Jones on Representing Malta and Playing Against England

By PON_News

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Jodi Jones, the winger for Notts County, has had quite a journey. After first joining on loan and helping the club fire themselves to promotion via Wembley, he signed a permanent 2-year-deal. Now, he's been called up to represent Malta and is preparing to play against England.

In an interview with Nick Richardson of Notts County's media team, Jones shared his thoughts on his recent experiences with the Malta national team. "I was a little bit disappointed when I realised I wasn't going to get much of a summer," he said. "But it's part of football."

Jones played in a different position than he's used to while with Malta. "When I come here I normally play as a striker but not as an out-and-out striker. I can kind of drop into the pockets and get the ball up and running behind as well," he explained. "I just try to get on the ball as much as possible. I love having the ball at my feet."

Malta's formation is different from Notts County's, with wing backs and central defensive midfielders. "We try to play as compact as possible," Jones said. Despite this, he still tries to play in the pockets and adopt the striker role as a number 10 role. "I try to do a bit of both but yeah, I really enjoyed it. I was getting on the ball a lot making things happen."

Jones also shared his thoughts on playing against England. "It's one of the biggest games of my life," he said. "Obviously, the game at Wembley for Notts was up there because of what it meant and where it was gonna take us. With this game, obviously, it's a bit different. People don't expect us to win."

The general message from Malta's coaches going into the game against England is to work hard but smartly. "We don't want to concede any sloppy goals from set pieces," Jones said. "We want to stay in the game for as long as possible."

Jones is learning a lot from his experiences with Malta and becoming a more well-rounded player. "I love learning when they tell me what to do, and they stay out with me and practice with me," he said.

Notts County fans will be supporting Jones on Friday but also keeping an eye on his return for pre-season. Jones is in touch with the club and working with strength and conditioning coach Ian Hutton to prepare for the season.

Jones' journey from Notts County to Malta national team has been an exciting one, and we can't wait to see what he'll do next.

Check out this discussion on Fan of Big Tone dubbed ‘Jodi Jones is looking good’ and join in with PON.

Do you enjoy hearing about fellow Magpie supporters and why they support Notts? Check out our story on Fan Tony ‘Poppa Bear’ Wood.

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    liampie

    Members

    notts fans are proud to have you at notts, jodi. go and play your game against england and i hope you do well. a lot of us will be wishing the same thing. ???????? ????????

    • Like 15
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    TheSkipper

    Media

    I hope he doesn’t swap his shirt at the end of the game, just pinch one of the England players when they’re changing. It would be a great souvenir for Jodi.

    • Like 13
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    Countyman

    Members

    This is a brilliant story of a fan’s background and history of supporting Notts. He’s right, some fans are fickle, but many are superb and have backed this club all the way. Some just like to moan a bit too much; it’s more about their character. Great story.

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    allardyces tash

    Members

    Go on Jodi! Run riot against the Three Lions and show Oxford United what they have lost out on while giving us a pleasing viewing experience to get over the departure of Ruben. Good luck!

    • Like 10
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    Joshua

    Members

    Jodi Jones’ free kick to set England back? We’re all wishing him well as he prepares to help Malta. It’s going to be a tough match, but I am invested in seeing how he does against some of England’s best players.

    • Like 11
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    JohnTheBost

    Members

    He’s really good at playing and could have a shot at big tournaments with any other country, but he this is not the case. I hope he gets to play for Malta someday in the Euro's. I’ll be watching tomorrow!

    • Like 6
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    JIMBO

    Members

    It’s Jodi Jones fever right now. I’m pleased he’s been called up and excited that he may play against England tomorrow. Give him your backing, everyone!

    • Like 5
    Grand Master

    Countyman

    Members

    It will be a tough game for Malta. I bet Jodi is excited about playing against some of the world’s best. I can imagine he and his teammates will try to close the space England finds. He may do more defending than attacking, but I am wishing he gets to have a good run out regardless.

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    RetroPie

    Members

    I will be watching and would be disappointed if Jodi didn’t get to play. He could make a difference for them. I don’t expect Malta to give England much trouble, but you never know. If Harry Maguire plays, Jodi may want to be around him.

    • Like 5
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    heraldmagpie

    Members

    Over the years, Notts has had some very good international players. Jodi Jones opting to play for Malta through his family is a nice way for him to pay respect to them. I wish him well.

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    CliftonMagpie

    Global Moderators

    During the years I have supported Notts, we have had quite a few international players: Andre Boucaud, Jonathan Forte… I had more in mind until I started writing, but I don’t remember any of them getting the chance to play against England.

    It’s a massive game for Jodi; one he should be very excited about and I don’t think he will go into the game all star-struck. I think he will want to prove a point; I hope he manages to impress.

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    upthepies

    Members

    He’s earning his caps alright; I hope he manages to get the goal he craves. No better team to cause an upset against than England.

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