With the FIFA World Cup 2022 just around the corner, we asked TE staff to talk everything football!

HOLLIE KING – BECK THEATRE
I support Liverpool FC and have been lucky enough to see them play a few times including a pre-season friendly against a Barcelona team that included Messi at Wembley (we won 4-0!). I have visited Anfield a couple of times which was a great experience and been on an amazing tour of the stadium. Living near Wembley, I go to see England play fairly regularly as well as a few Community Shield matches. My favourite player has to be the Egyptian King Mo Salah – altogether now ‘Mo Salah, Mo Salah, Mo Salah, running down the wing…’

NIGEL HOWLETT – BECK THEATRE
Which football team do you support?
Washington Commanders
Who’s your favourite player?
Art Monk, played 1980-1993, Wide Receiver Hall of Fame Inductee 2008.
Are you the proud owner of a footy trophy?
Unfortunately not. But would love to have a Vince Lombardi Trophy!
Do you play for a team?
Never had the change to, but would have been a Wide Receiver (it’s the person who gets thrown the ball and scores a touchdown).
Are you going to the World Cup?
World Cup? We have the Super Bowl. Oh wait, you’re talking about football not AMERICAN Football –  sorry!

GEORGE CHOPPING – WYCOMBE SWAN
Since we moved to Reading in November last year, me and my partner Beth have really enjoyed a day out at the football, even if we lose near enough every week (not usually superstitious but pretty sure we bring the bad luck). We won 2-0 on our most recent visit but we’ve also witnessed a 0-7 hammering too, so it’s a swings and roundabouts kind of relationship.

PETER BRAYSHAW
Which football team do you support?
Man Utd ☹, Wycombe Wanderers ?
Who’s your favourite player?
Bryan Robson (Captain Marvel) – you’re all too young to remember!
Are you the proud owner of a footy trophy?
Too many to count ha ha! Last one, Manager’s Player of the Year 2011.
Do you play for a team?
Would love to, the mind is willing, but the body is weak.
Are you going to the World Cup?
I wish!

GEORGIA PRIDDEN – STAGECOACH
Which football team do you support?
I would be disowned by my dad if I said anything other than Arsenal.
Who’s your favourite player?
I’ve taken to memorising the name of one of the Arsenal players to impress my dad so for a long time, I would ask him if Pepe was playing every time I saw a match was on but since he’s left the team, I ask him about Saka.
Are you the proud owner of a footy trophy?
Sadly no, I have no skills.
Do you play for a team?
If you saw me play, you wouldn’t need to ask… (because it would obviously be a no).
Are you going to the World Cup?
Nope!

JIM BARKER – STAGECOACH
Which football team do you support?
Aldershot Town
Who’s your favourite player?
Does my son count?
Are you the proud owner of a footy trophy?
Not as a player, but coached my son’s team to a North East Hants Youth League victory last season, so I have a trophy for that!
Do you play for a team?
Used to in my younger days – I was a typical ‘fox in the box’ (otherwise known as goal-hanger)
Are you going to the World Cup?
Not unless I win the lottery between now and the end of November…

DUNCAN BENNETTS – STAGECOACH
Which football team do you support?
Spurs
Who’s your favourite player?
Glenn Hoddle
Are you the proud owner of a footy trophy?
One or two down the years!
Do you play for a team?
Yes. A few of us old crocks get together every Monday evening.
Are you going to the World Cup?
Have you got a spare ticket then?

LAUREN HODGSON – STAGECOACH
Which football team do you support?
Southampton FC – I started working at the stadium when I was 16 and met a few footballers whilst I was there. Ian Wright even gave me a kiss on the cheek!
Who’s your favourite player?
Harry Kane
Are you the proud owner of a footy trophy? 
I have a football cup – it says “Mrs Leeds” – a joke gift from my husband who is a Leeds fan. The photo shows the cup I bought him in return ?
Do you play for a team? 
No. I much prefer to watch rather than participate.
Are you going to the World Cup?
I wish!

LEWIS COLCLOUGH – BECK THEATRE
Which football team do you support?
Liverpool… You’ll Never Walk Alone!
Who’s your favourite player?
I was obsessed with Michael Owen as a kid and he’s the reason I’m a red! Gutted to see him become such a dull pundit.
Are you the proud owner of a footy trophy?  :
Used to pay a lot when I was younger and always forced mum to keep everything over the years. Recently found out they’ve made their way to the attic gathering dust… nothing like a proud parent eh!
Are you going to the World Cup?
Not going, but will be tuning in to most games. For research purposes only of course, to ensure no shows clash with big games.