London City's Freya Godfrey Stunned by Senior Call-Up After Ignoring 'Spam' Text
Freya Godfrey, 20, was on her way to visit her brother at university when she received an unexpected call-up from England head coach Sarina Wiegman. The midfielder, who has been with London City since making a permanent move in the summer after leaving Arsenal's academy, was initially oblivious to the news.
"I didn't answer – I thought it was spam," Godfrey revealed, laughing off her initial reaction. As a cautious person, she wouldn't pick up on calls from unknown numbers unless they were close friends or family.
The call actually came from Wiegman, who congratulated Godfrey on her first senior international appearance for England's games against China and Ghana in 2025. Overjoyed at the news, Godfrey expressed her gratitude, saying she "just kept saying thank you" as she struggled to find the right words.
Godfrey has had a journey from Arsenal's academy to England Under-15s, with loans at Ipswich, Charlton, and London City along the way. Leaving Arsenal was difficult for her, but she ultimately chose to join London City due to its promising project and exciting prospects.
However, injuries have also played a significant role in hindering her progress. Most recently, she was sidelined until October, which resulted in limited game time. Godfrey believes that being back on the field has allowed her to show off her skills and build confidence.
The midfielder attributes her personal growth during this time to her experiences with rehab and recovery. "It gets frustrating, especially when it's different issues all over my body," she acknowledged. Despite these challenges, Godfrey has learned valuable lessons about perseverance and staying positive.
Godfrey also credits the England pathway for helping her develop as a player. She was initially promoted from the Under-19s to the Under-23s team and became captain, where she gained leadership experience that she believes will benefit her throughout her career.
Under new coach Sarina Wiegman, Godfrey is excited to make the most of this opportunity and soak up every experience.
Freya Godfrey, 20, was on her way to visit her brother at university when she received an unexpected call-up from England head coach Sarina Wiegman. The midfielder, who has been with London City since making a permanent move in the summer after leaving Arsenal's academy, was initially oblivious to the news.
"I didn't answer – I thought it was spam," Godfrey revealed, laughing off her initial reaction. As a cautious person, she wouldn't pick up on calls from unknown numbers unless they were close friends or family.
The call actually came from Wiegman, who congratulated Godfrey on her first senior international appearance for England's games against China and Ghana in 2025. Overjoyed at the news, Godfrey expressed her gratitude, saying she "just kept saying thank you" as she struggled to find the right words.
Godfrey has had a journey from Arsenal's academy to England Under-15s, with loans at Ipswich, Charlton, and London City along the way. Leaving Arsenal was difficult for her, but she ultimately chose to join London City due to its promising project and exciting prospects.
However, injuries have also played a significant role in hindering her progress. Most recently, she was sidelined until October, which resulted in limited game time. Godfrey believes that being back on the field has allowed her to show off her skills and build confidence.
The midfielder attributes her personal growth during this time to her experiences with rehab and recovery. "It gets frustrating, especially when it's different issues all over my body," she acknowledged. Despite these challenges, Godfrey has learned valuable lessons about perseverance and staying positive.
Godfrey also credits the England pathway for helping her develop as a player. She was initially promoted from the Under-19s to the Under-23s team and became captain, where she gained leadership experience that she believes will benefit her throughout her career.
Under new coach Sarina Wiegman, Godfrey is excited to make the most of this opportunity and soak up every experience.