Hinshelwood: It's been a mad month, but I am ready for Albion return

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The Albion man isn't planning on a long break after his win with England at the UEFA U21 Euros.

Nick Szczepanik

2025-07-07T07:00+01:00

Jack Hinshelwood started in the UEFA U21 Euros against Germany. 📷 by The FA.

Jack Hinshelwood is looking forward to the new season so much that he passed up the chance to take some extra time off after helping England win the UEFA under-21 Championship in Slovakia.

The Sussex-born midfielder will be back for pre-season training tomorrow [Tuesday] with a medal to show his teammates. And no doubt there will also be pictures of daughter Elsie, born to Jack and his partner Grace just before the Euros began.

“It was a crazy sort of start,” he said. “My daughter was born on the 9th of June, three days before the tournament, so I missed out on a lot of training beforehand. I only travelled out on the day of the first group game, so I was then on the bench that evening and then had to work hard to get my opportunities.

“[England under-21 coach Lee Carsley] was amazing, especially with me. Giving me the time I needed to be there for my girlfriend and my newborn was great. He was great with me the whole tournament. I can't thank him enough for selecting me.

The Albion man was on the bench for the first group game having arrived late, following the birth of his daughter. 📷 by The FA.

“It was an amazing month. To be part of the U21 team winning the Euros was very special. I loved every moment of it and I wish I could do it all again.”

His first appearance in the tournament came as a midfield substitute against Slovenia in the Three Lions’ second group game, when he came close to winning the match with an injury-time header.

Demonstrating the versatility that Albion fans know all about, he made his first start at right back against Germany in the final group game, and by the time the final came round, he had cemented a place at left back.

“I enjoy playing anywhere on the pitch. I'll give it a go anywhere. Where we had a lot of the ball, it suited me. I was able to join in and come into midfield. It was a good role.

The England Under-21s beat Germany in the final or the UEFA U21 Euros. 📷 by The FA.

“I felt when I came into the team I'd done a good job and I wanted to give the manager some selection headaches and I think I did that.

“We probably had a sluggish start, but from the quarter-finals onwards, the mentality the group showed and the character at times was amazing. We had a bond and I think we’re going to have those memories for life and be friends.”

Another friend he faced in the final was Albion attacker Brajan Gruda, who was in the Germany side beaten 3-2.

“I know Brajan’s quality and I knew I had to do a good job on him if we were going to get the win, and I think coming up against him, you forget you’re friends for 90 minutes and after that you’re friends again.”

Jack Hinshelwood came up against Brajan Gruda in the final. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Social media showed Jack’s father and former Albion defender Adam celebrating at the final whistle with other members of the Hinshelwood family.

“I had all my close family there so it was probably about ten, grandparents as well,” he said. “I think they only missed one game out of the four or five I was there for, so for them to show me that support I’m so grateful. And for them being there at the final, it was great. To celebrate as a family was an unbelievable feeling and I wish I could do it again.”

Elsie’s arrival ruled out a holiday after the tournament and, in any case, Jack was keen to get back both to mother and daughter and also to the training ground at Lancing.

“I was really looking forward to coming back as well as wanting to do well in the tournament. I was really missing them at home. [The club] offered me time off but I said I was going to be at home anyway so I might as well come in.

“I’m so excited already to go back and join the lads again and get going, because the way we finished last season I’m just champing at the bit to get going again.”