The Watford Academy is not known as one of the larger youth set-ups in England. However, the Hornets’ recent investment into their development program is paying off. Three players from the Watford Academy have now received senior-international call-ups.
Watford Academy Sees Three Players Chosen For International Duty
Guyana Roster Bayli Spencer-Adams
Bayli Spencer-Adams spent the majority of his youth career with Arsenal. In the summer of 2019, he made the very short switch to Vicarage Road (only a hedge separates the two clubs’ training grounds!)
The 19-year-old made his senior debut for the Hornets in last season’s FA Cup Third Round. The centre-back, who can play at left-back if necessary, played 77 minutes in a 3-3 draw with Tranmere Rovers. However, two of Tranmere’s goals came as soon as he came off. He also played the full 120 minutes in the replay.
Watford sent Spencer-Adams on a short-term loan deal to National League side Dover Athletic earlier this season, where he made eight appearances. As a result, Guyana have taken note of his performances and chose to include Spencer-Adams in their squad for the upcoming international break. Guyana play World Cup Qualifying matches against Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas.
Watford Academy Product Daniel Phillips Earns Trinidad And Tobago Call-Up
The strong central-midfielder could very well make his international debut against Spencer-Adams. Phillips made his senior debut for Watford in the opening match of the season. He appeared in the Hornets’ FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford, as well as playing the full ninety minutes in both of Watford’s League Cup clashes.
The club will take extra pride in his call up, as the 20-year-old spent his entire youth career in Hertfordshire. He endeared himself to many supporters through the tenacity and physicality he showed in the Club’s preseason victory against Tottenham.
Kane Crichlow Rounds-Off Atlantic International Call-Up Trio
The talented attacker joined Watford from AFC Wimbledon in 2019. The 20-year-old earns his Bermuda call-up after coming into the fringes of the Hornets’ first-team.
Although he has only played six senior minutes this season (in the League Cup), he frequently makes the match-day squad. On ten other occasions this season, Crichlow found himself on the final team sheet.
The club are not especially known for their youth development, so the Hornets’ young players have done pretty well to get their names selected.
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