Jess Park Explained

Jess Park
Fullname:Jessica Park
Birth Date:21 October 2001
Birth Place:Brough, East Yorkshire, England
Position:Attacking midfielder / winger
Currentclub:Manchester City
Clubnumber:16
Youthclubs1:Hull City
Youthyears1:
Youthclubs2:York City
Youthyears2:2017
Youthclubs3:Manchester City
Youthyears3:2017
Years1:2017–
Clubs1:Manchester City
Caps1:44
Goals1:4
Years2:2022–2023
Clubs2:Everton (loan)
Caps2:17
Goals2:3
Nationalyears1:2017–2018
Nationalteam1:England U17
Nationalcaps1:13
Nationalgoals1:8
Nationalyears2:2018–2020
Nationalteam2:England U19
Nationalcaps2:19
Nationalgoals2:24
Nationalyears3:2022–
Nationalteam3:England U23
Nationalcaps3:3
Nationalgoals3:0
Nationalyears4:2022–
Nationalteam4:England
Nationalcaps4:9
Nationalgoals4:1
Pcupdate:04:40, 19 May 2024 (UTC)
Ntupdate:23:55, 12 July 2024 (UTC)

Jessica Park (born 21 October 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for Women's Super League club Manchester City and the England national team. With City, she is a two-time League Cup and a one-time FA Cup winner. She has represented England under-17s and under-19s, and currently plays for her country at both senior and at youth level with England U23.

Club career

Manchester City

Park made her senior debut for Manchester City on 6 December 2017, coming on as a substitute in a 3–2 win over Doncaster Belles in the 2017–18 FA WSL Cup.[1] On 5 December 2018, she scored her first senior goal for the club in a 6–0 victory against Sheffield United,[2] followed by another against Aston Villa on 13 December in a 4–0 win,[3] helping City to win the 2018–19 League Cup.[4]

At the age of 17, Park made her UEFA Champions League debut on 25 September 2019 as part of the starting eleven against Lugano in a 4–0 victory, as part of the 2019–20 season round of 32.[5]

On 16 February 2020, she scored one of three hat tricks in a 10-0 win against Ipswich Town in the 2019–20 FA Cup.[6] [7] On 4 April, Park signed her first professional contract with Manchester City, keeping her at the club until 2023.[8] On 1 November, she featured in the 2020 FA Cup final as a 70th-minute substitute, providing an assist in extra time to break the tie, resulting in a 3–1 victory.[9] [10] [11]

On 13 October 2021, in the 2021–22 League Cup, Park scored against Everton in a 5–1 win in the group stage,[12] followed by the opening goal in the 3–0 semi-final win against Tottenham Hotspur,[13] as well as providing two assists,[14] helping City to win the tournament that season.[15] She was awarded Manchester City's Rising Star award for the 2021–22 season.[16]

On 14 June 2022, Park signed a three-year extension with Manchester City until 2026, having scored 9 goals in 57 appearances for the club. After signing she stated, "This is my Club and this is where I want to be." Manager Gareth Taylor said Park is "very much a big part of our plans here at City".[17]

In September 2023, Park was nominated for the North West Football Awards Rising Star award.[18] On 11 October, in the 2023–24 League Cup, she scored the opening goal against former club Everton in a 2–1 win,[19] followed by an equaliser against Liverpool leading to a 4–3 victory on 8 November.[20] In the quarter-finals of the tournament on 7 February 2024, Park provided an assist to Yui Hasegawa for the winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur.[21] Nine days later, in her first start of the WSL season, Park played an integral role in ending Chelsea's 22–match winning run at home,[22] dispossessing captain Erin Cuthbert in order to provide the assist for Bunny Shaw to secure a 1–0 away win, and consequently help City to level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table.[23] Park was described by The Guardian as City's "surprise revelation", and by Goal.com as a "live wire both in and out of possession".[24]

Everton (loan)

On 15 July 2022, it was announced that she would spend the 2022–23 season on loan at Everton.[25] [26] In the 2022–23 League Cup, Park scored against Sheffield United on 26 November 2022 in a 3–0 win,[27] and against Manchester United on 7 December 2022 in a 4–2 defeat.[28]

On 12 May 2023, Park returned to Manchester City after sustaining a shoulder injury during training. With Everton, she made 22 appearances, scored five goals, and provided five assists.[29] [30]

International career

Youth

Park has represented England at under-17 and under-19 level, and currently plays at under-23 level.

On 5 October 2017, Park was named as part of the England under-17 squad for 2018 U-17 Championship qualification.[31] She scored a hat-trick against Latvia in a 10–0 win on 14 October,[32] followed by two goals against Scotland in a 3–0 victory on 20 October.[33] Park's scored her sixth goal in the qualification stages against Norway for a 2–0 result on 31 March 2018[34] In May 2018, in the final tournament, Park scored an equalising goal as captain against Poland in a 2–2 draw[35] as well as captained the team in a 2–1 defeat to Spain.[36] On May 21, she scored the opening goal in a 2–1 defeat to Finland in the 2018 U-17 World Cup play-off, with the U-17 team finishing in fourth-place in the 2018 Championship.[37]

In October 2018 for 2019 U-19 Championship qualification, Park scored the final goal for England under-19s as an 82nd minute substitute against Malta in a 9–0 victory,[38] going on to score four more goals against Croatia in an 8–0 win.[39] In February 2019, Park was named as part of the U-19 squad for La Manga Tournament,[40] scoring the opening goal against China in am emphatic 5–1 victory on 2 March.[41] She was also named as part of the U-19 squad for elite round qualification in April 2019, but subsequently withdrew due to injury.[42] Park would go on to play in the group stage matches in the 2019 U-19 Championship against Spain and Belgium, where the team failed to advance to the knock-out stage.[43] [44]

In October 2019 for 2020 U-19 Championship qualification, Park scored a hat-trick against Cyprus in an 8–0 win,[45] followed by the final goal against Belarus as a substitute in a 3–0 victory.[46] The tournament was subsequently cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.[47]

Park featured in the starting eleven of the England U23 team in matches against France and Norway in 2022.[48] [49] Following her senior debut, she was called up to the under-23 squad for the new U23 European League,[50] and played against France on 30 November 2023.[51]

Senior

On 27 September 2022, Park received her first senior international call-up for the friendly matches against the United States and the Czech Republic,[52] where she was an unused substitute in both matches.[53] [54] She received her second call-up on 4 November, to replace Fran Kirby.[55]

Park made her senior debut as an 89th-minute substitute during a friendly match against Japan on 11 November 2022. Just over a minute later, she scored her first international goal, the fourth in a 4–0 victory.[56] On 18 November 2022, her England legacy number was announced as number 225.[57]

She made her first senior start for England in the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup against Italy in a 2–1 win on 22 February,[58] [59] as well as coming on as a substitute against Belgium in a 6–1 victory,[60] with the Lionesses winning the tournament for the second consecutive year.

Park was included on the standby list of players named to the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in July 2023, where she trained alongside the full squad. Park later withdrew due to injury and was replaced with Lucy Staniforth.[61] [62]

In September 2023, Park was named as part of the squad for 2023–24 Nations League matches,[63] replacing an injured Bethany England.[64]

Style of play

Park was described as a winger by Manchester City in September 2023, but since returning the club for the 2023–24 season,[65] she has adopted a more central role to play as a number 8 and 10, where she can drive between lines of players. She has been credited by The Guardian with having "technical abilities, speed and awareness", an aggressive press, as well as defensive maturity.

Career statistics

Club

.[66]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupContinentalTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
2017–18Women's Super League0000100010
2018–19Women's Super League2000310051
2019–20Women's Super League20433010103
2020–21Women's Super League90004220152
2021–22Women's Super League130306210232
2023–24Women's Super League1843062276
Total444103237408114
Everton (loan)2022–23Women's Super League1731042225
Career total5971132794010319

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
England202211
202340
202440
Total91

Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Park goal.

Honours

Manchester City

2019–20[67]

2018–19, 2021–22

England

2023[69]

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: City secure 13th successive victory . Manchester City FC . 6 December 2017 . 6 August 2021.
  2. Web site: 5 December 2018 . Beckie fires four as Blues thrash Blades . 4 February 2024 . www.mancity.com.
  3. Web site: 14 December 2018 . Aston Villa Football Club The official club website . 4 February 2024 . Aston Villa Football Club.
  4. News: Garry . Tom . 23 February 2019 . Man City win Women's League Cup . 6 February 2024 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  5. News: Wrack . Suzanne . Janine Beckie's hat-trick steers Manchester City into Champions League last 16 . The Guardian . 25 September 2019 . 6 February 2024 . 0261-3077 . en-GB.
  6. News: 16 February 2020 . Man City cruise past Ipswich in FA Cup . 2024-02-04 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  7. News: Wrack . Suzanne . 2020-02-16 . Manchester City trio all get hat-tricks in crushing 10-0 win over Ipswich . 2024-02-04 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  8. Web site: Oatway . Caroline . 4 April 2020 . Jess Park pens first professional deal . 4 April 2020 . Manchester City FC.
  9. News: Burnton . Simon . 1 November 2020 . Women's FA Cup final: Everton 1-3 Manchester City – as it happened . 6 February 2024 . the Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  10. News: Garry . Tom . Man City win FA Cup after extra time . BBC Sport . 1 November 2020 . 6 February 2024 . en-GB.
  11. Web site: Everton 1-3 Manchester City . womenscompetitions.thefa.com . 4 February 2024.
  12. Web site: 13 October 2021 . City topple Toffees in dream Continental Cup opener . 4 February 2024 . www.mancity.com.
  13. Web site: 3 February 2022 . City sink Spurs to reach Conti Cup Final . www.mancity.com.
  14. News: Garry . Tom . 3 February 2022 . Jess Park stars as Manchester City brush aside Spurs to set up League Cup final showdown with Chelsea . 2024-02-04 . The Telegraph . en-GB . 0307-1235.
  15. News: 2022-03-04 . Watch: Man City beat Chelsea to win Women's League Cup - reaction . 2024-02-04 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  16. News: June 14, 2022 . Park signs new Man City contract . 2024-02-06 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  17. Web site: Oatway . Caroline . 14 June 2022 . Jess Park pens new deal . 5 October 2022 . Manchester City FC.
  18. News: Kelsey . George . September 4, 2023 . Five City stars up for NWFA Awards . www.mancity.com.
  19. News: 11 October 2023 . Man City beat Everton – Women's League Cup round-up . 4 February 2024 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  20. News: Liverpool v Manchester City . BBC Sport . 8 November 2023 . 4 February 2024 . en-GB.
  21. News: Tottenham Hotspur Women 0–1 Manchester City Women . BBC Sport . 7 February 2024 . 25 February 2024 . en-GB.
  22. News: Downey . Sophie . 2024-02-16 . Jess Park is Manchester City's surprise revelation as title race is blown open . 24 February 2024 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  23. News: Sanders . Emma . 16 February 2024 . Man City win at Chelsea to go level at top of WSL . 24 February 2024 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  24. Web site: Ruszkai . Ameé . 16 February 2024 . Are you watching, Sarina Wiegman? Winners & losers as Jess Park makes incredible case for Lionesses spot as Man City blow WSL title race wide open with vital win at Chelsea . 25 February 2024 . . en-IN.
  25. Web site: Kelsey . George . Park completes Everton loan switch . Manchester City FC . 5 October 2022 . 15 July 2022.
  26. Web site: Park Signs for Everton . Everton FC . 5 October 2022 . 15 July 2022.
  27. Web site: Hughes . David . 26 November 2022 . Blues Secure Dominant Win Over Blades . 4 February 2024 . www.evertonfc.com.
  28. Web site: Hill . Courtney . 7 December 2022 . Man United Women match report vs Everton 07 December 2022 . 4 February 2024 . www.manutd.com.
  29. News: 12 May 2023 . Everton loanee Park out for rest of season . 2024-02-04 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  30. Web site: 12 May 2023 . Park Injury Update . 4 February 2024 . www.evertonfc.com.
  31. Web site: October 5, 2017 . Young Lionesses unleashed . 2024-02-05 . www.thefa.com . en.
  32. Web site: October 14, 2017 . England-Latvia Women's Under-17 2018 . 2024-02-05 . UEFA.com . en.
  33. Web site: October 20, 2017 . Scotland-England Women's Under-17 2018 . 2024-02-05 . UEFA.com . en.
  34. Web site: March 31, 2018 . Norway-England Women's Under-17 2018 . 2024-02-05 . UEFA.com . en.
  35. Web site: May 9, 2018 . Poland-England Women's Under-17 2018 . 2024-02-05 . UEFA.com . en.
  36. Web site: May 12, 2018 . Spain-England Women's Under-17 2018 . 2024-02-05 . UEFA.com.
  37. Web site: 21 May 2018 . England-Finland Women's Under-17 2018 . 2024-02-05 . UEFA.com.
  38. Web site: October 1, 2018 . England-Malta Women's Under-19 2019 . 5 February 2024 . UEFA.com.
  39. Web site: 4 October 2018 . England-Croatia Women's Under-19 2019 . 5 February 2024 . UEFA.com.
  40. Web site: 22 February 2019 . England Women's U19 squad named to compete in La Manga Tournament . 5 February 2024 . www.thefa.com.
  41. Web site: England Women's U19s register emphatic win over China in La Manga Tournament . www.thefa.com . 2 March 2019 . 5 February 2024.
  42. Web site: 22 February 2019 . England Women's U19s squad named for elite round qualifiers at St. George's Park . 5 February 2024 . www.thefa.com.
  43. Web site: 19 July 2019 . England-Spain Women's Under-19 2019 . 5 February 2024 . UEFA.com.
  44. Web site: 22 July 2019 . Belgium-England Women's Under-19 2019 . 5 February 2024 . UEFA.com.
  45. Web site: 2 October 2019 . England-Cyprus Women's Under-19 2020 . 5 February 2024 . UEFA.com.
  46. Web site: 5 October 2019 . England-Belarus Women's Under-19 2020 . 5 February 2024 . UEFA.com.
  47. Web site: 1 April 2020 . Women's Under-19 finals in Georgia cancelled Women's Under-19 . 5 February 2024 . UEFA.com.
  48. Web site: Smith . Frank . February 20, 2022 . Ebony Salmon scores again as England WU23s take on France . 2024-02-05 . England Football.
  49. Web site: Veevers . Nicholas . September 22, 2022 . Norway 1-2 England WU23s . 2024-02-05 . England Football.
  50. Web site: Veevers . Nicholas . July 6, 2023 . England WU23s' new season schedule revealed . 2024-02-05 . England Football.
  51. Web site: McHugh . Beth . November 30, 2023 . Report: France 0-1 England WU23s . 5 February 2024 . England Football.
  52. News: Women's international friendlies: England's Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby return to squad . BBC Sport . 27 September 2022 . 5 October 2022.
  53. Web site: Lacey-Hatton . Jack . 7 October 2022 . Report: England 2-1 USA . 2024-02-05 . England Football.
  54. Web site: Eddison . Paul . October 11, 2022 . Report: England 0-0 Czech Republic . 5 February 2024 . England Football.
  55. Web site: Davies . Callum . 15 November 2022 . England squad updates: November 2022 . 5 February 2024 . England Football.
  56. Web site: Sanders . Emma . England 4-0 Japan: Jess Park scores on her debut in Lionesses win . BBC Sport . 11 November 2022 . 11 November 2022.
  57. Web site: England women's legacy and results archive . 2023-06-19 . The Football Association.
  58. News: 23 February 2023 . Women's football: Lionesses win the Arnold Clark Cup . 5 February 2024 . BBC Newsround . CBBC . en-GB.
  59. Web site: Match Centre: England Women 2-1 Italy . 19 February 2023 . 5 February 2024 . England Football.
  60. Web site: 22 February 2023 . Match Centre: England Women 6-1 Belgium . 2024-02-05 . England Football.
  61. Web site: Gerty . David . England squad named for 2023 Women's World Cup . England Football . 31 May 2023.
  62. Web site: Lucy Staniforth added to World Cup squad standby list . England Football . 27 June 2023.
  63. Web site: Gerty . David . 13 September 2023 . England women's squad named for Scotland and Netherlands . 5 February 2024 . England Football.
  64. News: Sanders . Emma . Walsh & England ruled out for Lionesses with injury . BBC Sport . 13 September 2023 . 5 February 2024 . en-GB.
  65. News: Cox . Sam . 6 September 2023 . Taylor excited by Park's City return . Manchester City F.C..
  66. Web site: Jess Park profile . Soccerway . 11 December 2017.
  67. Web site: Garry . Tom . Women's FA Cup final: Everton 1–3 Manchester City AET . BBC Sport . 1 November 2020 . 5 November 2020.
  68. News: Sanders . Emma . England beat Brazil on penalties to win Finalissima . BBC Sport . 6 April 2023 . 6 April 2023 . en-GB.
  69. Web site: Arnold Clark Cup: England hit six v Belgium to retain trophy . BBC Sport . 22 February 2023 . 23 February 2023.
  70. Web site: Women's Under-17 EURO team of the tournament . UEFA . 18 June 2018 . 8 October 2019.
  71. Web site: Kelsey . George . City's clean sweep of WSL awards . Manchester City F.C. . 11 April 2024 . 11 April 2024.