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Living the Dream: Jodi Jones’ Double Wembley Experience


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In the world of football dreams, playing at Wembley Stadium stands as a pinnacle achievement for many. London-born Jodi Jones, currently shining at Notts County in League Two, is living this dream not once but twice within six months. Representing Malta, he reflects on the excitement and gratitude that accompany such a unique experience.

"It's the biggest stadium; just seeing it every single day, I think every kid dreams of playing at Wembley. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. It's finally here, so yeah, very excited," says Jones, visibly thrilled about returning to the iconic venue.

Six months after a memorable playoff final, Jones finds himself back at Wembley. Acknowledging the rarity of such an opportunity, he feels blessed. "Some people don't get to play at Wembley throughout their whole career, you know? I'm feeling blessed. It's very exciting."

Despite having experienced the grandeur before, Jones remains captivated by the sheer magnificence of Wembley. "It's got a beautiful view in here. It was pretty nice waking up to this view this morning—Wembley Stadium right outside. Just makes it that little bit more exciting, you know?"

Reflecting on the significance of the upcoming game, Jones acknowledges the challenges of playing against one of the best footballing nations in the world. "It's a massive game. One of the best stadiums in the world. Everybody wants to play there, and, like I said, I've been lucky enough to play here a few times."

In the recent match, Jones came on for Malta in the 59th minute, replacing Paul Mbong. Despite a spirited performance, Malta was defeated by England 2-0, with goals from Enrico Pepe (own goal) in the 8th minute and Harry Kane in the 75th minute. Declan Rice also had a goal disallowed for offside by VAR in the 76th minute.

Expressing admiration for the opposition, Jones recognizes the quality of the squad he is up against. "Playing against the best nation in the world right now. The players they have, the squad is ridiculous. Either them or France are the best in the world, you know? You have to dream big sometimes."

Despite the tough challenge ahead, Jones remains optimistic and emphasises the unpredictable nature of football. "You never know what's going to happen. But at the same time, we obviously know how good they are, and we played against them not so long ago."

Switching gears to off-field interests, Jones reveals his fondness for Arsenal, proclaiming himself a "big Arsenal fan." His dedication goes to the extent of checking the Arsenal players called up for international duty and even securing a prized possession from a fellow player.

"I spoke to James Madison and said to him, 'If you can get me Saka's shirt, I'll be over the moon,' and he sorted it for me. So I thank him for that all the time."

Reflecting on his journey, Jones acknowledges the challenges, particularly a significant injury. "I always knew it was going to be tough, but I always believed in my ability. I got to take this opportunity while I can, go and play some football."

Jones expresses gratitude for the support from family and friends during difficult times. "I could have given up, but I didn't. With the support of all my family and friends, now they're getting to come and experience all these good things. I'm really happy for them."

As the conversation turns personal, Jones shares a poignant story about his great nan, a long-time supporter. Despite her age making travel difficult, he fondly mentions, "I'm from London myself. My family lives in London, so it's easier for them to come to this game. Because it's such a big game, it's kind of one you can't miss."

In the midst of the anticipated crowd at Wembley, Jodi Jones might not spot his great nan, but her presence would be the highlight of his day. For this London-born talent, representing Malta at Wembley is more than a game; it's a culmination of dreams and a celebration of resilience and support.

We have prints of Jodi Jones from this season, donned in the iconic black and white shirt as well as our delightful blue shirt. All existing prints in stock have been graciously autographed by Jodi - secure yours today!

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i think they made a mistake by not starting jodi jones because they had some chances which a player of his quality could have put away in the first half, malta were never going to win but it was great to see jodi play against england again. it was nice to hear the name drops of notts county too, sometimes i still find it hard considering all the awful years i have supported notts that we have a player of his quality. this current squad we are blessed to have but i am thankful even more that jodi jones signed the deal keeping him here at the start of the season.

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I believe Jodi performed well with the limited time he had, contributing to an attack that nearly succeeded. I concur with the previous opinions too, he should have been in the starting lineup. It leads me to wonder if they were hoping England would fatigue, but I think England outperformed their performance on home ground. Jodi shouldn’t feel too disheartened, at least he had the chance to play.

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A footballer's career trajectory rarely follows a straightforward path. Jodi Jones and his remarkable journey to playing at Wembley twice in six months is a story filled with resilience, determination, and immense talent. Prior to his arrival at Notts County, Jones faced significant challenges, including a major injury. But with staunch support from friends and family, he managed to overcome this and other obstacles.

His journey serves as a testament to what can be achieved when one chooses to never give up. Jones' experience, camaraderie with fellow players, and his connection with fans make him a true gem at Notts. As he continues to develop, we all can't wait for the next stage of his fascinating journey.

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What a story this is! A London kid dreaming of playing at Wembley, and not only achieving it once but twice within six months. This exemplifies what ambition and hard work could result in. Jodi Jones is an inspiration. It’s common knowledge the gravitas Wembley holds in English football culture; every child who kicks a ball aspires to grace its pitch one day. It speaks volumes about Jones's talent and dedication that he finds himself playing there twice in such a short span of time. We at Notts County are fortunate and proud to watch him develop from close quarters. His tale of overcoming adversity through support from family and friends after his significant injury exhibits tremendous resilience. Cheers to more success!

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Jodi Jones is definitely a rising star. His energy on the pitch is infectious and he's a great asset to Notts County. What an experience for him to play at Wembley, no doubt a career highlight!

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Fantastic to see Jodi Jones representing Malta at Wembley. His growth since joining Notts County in League Two is inspirational. Not many get to play at Wembley even once, and he's done it twice in six months. Incredible!

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Jones has become an embodiment of tireless determination and skill, traits that have led him to Wembley not once, but twice. His raw talent is evident on the football pitch and what's more striking is his level-headed approach towards even the grandest of stages. The calmness with which he plays and his technical prowess enable him to outmanoeuvre his opponents, making him an integral part of Notts County.

Also, Jones's reverence for Arsenal merits mention. His ability to juggle his fanaticism alongside his professional commitments is indeed commendable. It's this blend of character, attitude, and ability that will propel Jones to even greater heights in the world of football.

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Playing at Wembley, a childhood dream for countless footballers worldwide, Jones has achieved this remarkable feat not once but twice. His fond recollections about waiting to get Saka's shirt through Madison show the humble human behind the successful footballer. The mention of his great nan, an ardent supporter despite difficulties in travelling, adds another layer of poignancy to this incredible journey. Each time Jones steps onto the pitch, he personifies resilience and relatability. Indeed, Living the dream.

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Really liked your replies @theMagpies & @Benji 

They mirror my sentiments too.

The recruiters at Notts have to be given a big thumbs up too, for the players they have recruited over the last 12 months. They've played a blinder.

 

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