With England’s second game at the FIFA World Cup approaching tomorrow Leicester City fans will be anxious to see their main man Jamie Vardy in action for his country. After Harry Maguire’s impressive World Cup debut against Tunisia, Vardy will want to prove he isn’t the only Foxes player that is able to impressive for the Three Lions.
Jamie Vardy isn’t expected to start against Panama however he is keen to take his chance should he make his World Cup debut on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the game Vardy had this to say:
"“It’s not annoying at all (watching fellow striker Kane scoring twice). At the end of the day we are all here for one reason and that is to keep winning as many games as possible.” “You’ve just got to keep going and make sure you are putting in the effort on the training field and then getting into the gaffer’s plans – hopefully get your chance – and then making sure you stay there.” “The gaffer has said that everyone who is here in the 23-man squad is going to be needed at some point, so you’ve obviously just got to stay focused and put the effort in and hopefully get your chance and that’s when you have got to make sure it counts.” Jamie Vardy –Sky Sports"
For those of you has been living under a rock since Vardy joined Leicester in 2012 for £1 million, you won’t be aware that he loves to prove people wrong. On his Premier League debut he was a nuisance – causing Manchester United all sorts of problems – scoring one, assisting another and winning two penalties in a 5-3 dramatic win for Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. For those of you wanting to relive that moment, here’s the match report for your pleasure.
He announced himself on the big stage that day and since he has continued to grow and grow. Every time he has been doubted, he comes back stronger. Our site expert Harneet Singh Sethi sums this up perfectly in his recent article:
Related Story: Jamie Vardy: Leicester City hitman can be Englands Galactico in Russia
"“The 31-year old is unique. No one epitomises a footballer with endless possibilities quite like he does” “The moment you think you’ve found out where does he stop, he’s there to prove you wrong” “From being impetuously dubbed a one-season wonder after the title win to being branded lucky, he has been refuting each and every claim year after year.” “Vardy isn’t as skilful or as genius like the Galactico (referring to Cristiano Ronaldo), but he has the mental strength that’s similar to him, which is his most important asset.” Harneet Singh Sethi – Foxes of Leicester"
More than just opinions
This isn’t just about opinions either – when he has struggled he still comes back stronger and shows the mental strength of the man.
Taking a look at his goals and assist records from when he was at Fleetwood Town to his progression with Leicester City you can see that every season Vardy stepped up a level it may take time to adjust, but always produces the goods.
From a hard working striker to one of the deadliest hitmen in England.
Defenders playing against Vardy will know they’ve been in a game after 90 minutes as he doesn’t give them a moments rest – Harassing them, closing them down, well timed runs into the channel, chasing lost causes it’s no wonder Jamie Vardy drinks red bull for breakfast, as reported by the sun.
2011/12 | Fleetwood Town | National League | Appearances – 36 | Goals – 31 | Assists – 17
2012/13 | Leicester City | Championship | Appearances – 26 | Goals – 4 | Assists – 4
2013/14 | Leicester City | Championship | Appearances – 37 | Goals – 16 | Assists – 10
2014/15 | Leicester City | Premier League | Appearances – 34 | Goals – 5 | Assists – 10
2015/16 | Leicester City | Premier League | Appearances – 36 | Goals – 24 | Assists – 8
2016/17 | Leicester City | Premier League | Appearances – 35 | Goals – 13 | Assists – 6
2017/18 | Leicester City | Premier League | Appearances – 37 | Goals – 20 | Assists – 1
2015 -Present | England | International | Appearances – 22 | Goals – 7 | Assists – 2
After getting his big break with his move from non-league Fleetwood Town you can see Vardy’s goals and assists drop dramatically – the comparison from the 2012/13 season and the 2013/14 season see’s a huge increase in the contribution of goals from being involved in 8 goals to 26.
The step up to the Premier League was a tough one too, despite Vardy’s man of the match performance in the 5-3 win over Manchester United.
Recording 5 goals and 10 assists was a modest return for a striker in a side looming around the relegation zone all season.
What was to come in following season was unexpected within the footballing world – Vardy leading the line as the Foxes shook the footballing world with their title-winning season.
Vardy epitomising what Leicester were all about that season – 5’000/1 odds on them winning the Premier League.
Write Vardy off and he will prove you wrong.
After all, he has the Premier League goal scoring record of scoring in consecutive games don’t you know? Scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games to break the record set by Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
If you have learnt anything reading this, let it be known that is should be you write Jamie Vardy off at your peril.
Positive England at the World Cup
A lot has been made about the openness of the England camp and access to the players and staff alike to the fans and media.
Barring the team sheet leak the other day it seems from outside, to be the best atmosphere around an England squad at a major tournament since I can remember.
Many of the players have also spoke about positive atmosphere around camp. Vardy also backs this up in his recent comments.
"“Hopefully it will continue that way but you can see how we all are” “Everyone is relaxed, everyone is in a good mood. We’re all having a laugh and a joke and to be honest with you that is how it should be.” “I think that just shows how we all are and how the set up is. Even at our hotel everyone is so relaxed, everyone is in a good place. We know that when it comes to training for games it is 110 per cent commitment but we know we can chill out and have a bit of fun.” Jamie Vardy – Sky Sports"
Despite the relaxed atmosphere around the England camp their focus is still firmly on their next opponents Panama.
Gareth Southgate and his team will have the squad well prepared for task against the resilient opposition, especially after seeing them in action against Belgium.
The Central Americans will provide a physical battle for Southgate’s men and the Englishmen will need to be wary of any provocations from Panama after Belgium manager Roberto Martinez was left unhappy with some of the strong challenges on his players.
Harry Maguire has spoken ahead of the tie, urging his teammates to keep their cool and their composure. In a report by Sky Sports Maguire says:
"“Discipline is going to be a big part of the game on Sunday. They might want to frustrate us or make people angry, but we’ve got to keep our cool and keep calm.” “If they are continuously fouling us, we can’t react in a bad way. Hopefully it’s going to be good game and we can impose our attacking threat on them as well as the physical side, try to get the ball down on the deck and create chances that way.” “I’m a big lad myself, so I feel I can handle myself in a battle.” Harry Maguire – Sky Sports"
Standing at 6 foot 4 inches Maguire certainly has the physicality to cope with any battle on the pitch.
However will Foxes fans see Vardy in action for England tomorrow? If he makes his World Cup debut, he will be going all out to continue the Jamie Vardy party.
Next: Preview - Sensational England up against steely Panama