“I’m feeling better than ever.” – Sean Jackson set to make his return to a major tournament

Injuries, unfortunately, plague every sport and the road to recovery can test even the strongest of minds.

England defender Sean Jackson was side-lined with an ankle injury (ruptured anterior talofibular ligament) for several months while representing his country at the 2022 World Cup.

The journey he then embarked on back to full fitness was testing and strenuous at the best of times but in recent months Jacko (Sean’s nickname) has made his debut for Everton and featured again for England.

Now, it’s time for him to return to a major tournament after being selected in Scott Rogers’ squad for the Euros.

Sean Jackson said: “I’m very excited to be back to be honest, for the whole time I was out in a cast and on the side-lines my focus was on the Euros,

“It feels really good to have the backing of the staff and Scotty putting his trust in me and giving me in the opportunity to be a part of the squad.”

Since he made his return, Jacko took no time in getting back to his best consistently performing for his club, Everton, as well as in international friendlies and over training weekends.

Ahead of the tournament Sean said he is feeling the best he has ever felt, a scary thought for opposition attackers if they’re reading this.

Jacko said, “I’m feeling better than I ever have going into a tournament.

“Physically I feel really good and feel I have come into some good form over the last month with our fixtures in Turkey as well as games against Cerebral Palsy United and Everton’s Pan-Disability team.”

Sean getting in some vital training minutes at the most recent England camp (image: @seanwalshphotography)

After suffering such a serious injury, you’d be forgiven if you felt somewhat hesitant making a return to the top level of Amputee Football, however Jackson is full of confidence.

He said, “My minds in a great place, I have full confidence in my ankle due to the hard work that the people supporting me at R4P and EAFA have put in,

“I just can’t wait to be out there, representing the charity and playing football.”

Of course, during his time out, Sean watched his teammates lift the Nations League trophy and after what he saw, he’s feeling confident they can lift silverware again.

“I have full belief in this squad,” Jackson said.

“Watching the performances last year in the Nations League, we can go toe-to-toe with the top nations, perform and get results.

“If we perform like we know we can then the potential of what we can achieve is limitless.”

The European Championships kick off this weekend and the charity as a whole would like to express their massive gratitude to everyone who helped get the squad to Evian, France.

Now it’s time to get behind Sean Jackson and the rest of the team. Come on England!