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Writes: Elliot Burrow
He might be one of the youngest players in the current England squad, but that hasn’t stopped Nathan Fisher from scaling new heights in 2023.
The 20-year-old defender was part of the team that landed the Nations League victory earlier this season, and will feature in the Amp Futbol Cup which takes place later this month.
Fisher got into amputee football in 2018, when his PE teacher at school Mr Suckling put him in touch with former England goalkeeper Gary Marheineke.
After going to watch Peterborough amputees play against Arsenal, he fell in love with the sport immediately and has played it ever since.
Just five years after starting out in the game, Fisher has already got his hands on international honours, and is chasing more milestones.
“This year has been huge for me,” Fisher said.
“I’m growing in confidence on and off the pitch and constantly progressing.
“The nations league was a brilliant test for me to see if I was ready to step up to the big stage, and it proved that I was because we went on and won it.
“It was well earned because we stuck to our game plans throughout the entire tournament, and that carried us to victory in the end and to the silverware.”
Things could have gone very differently for Fisher this season though.
A hamstring injury prior to the Nations League tournament threatened to stop him from playing in the competition.
Despite facing an uphill battle to be fit in time he managed to pull it off and win the race, something he was relieved about.
“When the injury occurred, I didn’t think I would be back in time,” Fisher admitted.
“It took weeks to even be able to walk, let alone play football.
“The EAFA medical team were excellent and put in a lot of time and effort to get me back into action and match fit ready to be able to take part in the tournament.”
His last second goal line clearance against Spain helped his side secure
all 9 points, meaning he played a pivotal role in ensuring England’s end to a 33-year wait for a major trophy in the game.
Getting the chance to pull on the England jersey and represent his country is something that Fisher always takes pride in, and he already has his eyes set on what he wants to achieve next in football.
“My goal is to win every trophy possible including World Cup and Champions League,” Fisher said bullishly.
“It’ll be a challenge but I love a challenge, and that’s something that can keep me focused and driven.
“Personally I’d like to reach 50 caps for England because I think that’s a great milestone for international level, and representing my country is such an honour.
“When the national anthems are playing and the England flags are waving, I’m in awe. I’m out there to make everyone proud, and that’s why I play amputee football.”
Fisher and England will look to add to their Nations League glory next weekend when they head to Poland for the Futbol Amp Cup.
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