Quickfire Questions with ex-Arsenal and England defender Matthew Upson

Former England player Matthew Upson sat down with UCFB to talk over his footballing career and to offer advice to students going into the sports industry.

Matthew, who earned 21 caps for the Three Lions, joined UCFB for our annual Future Leaders Conference, held at the Home of England, St George’s Park.

The former Arsenal, Birmingham City and West Ham United man was part of an industry panel, where he was sat alongside Rachel Yankey OBE and Anthony Barry.

While at St George’s Park, Matthew sat down with us to answer some quickfire questions. See what he said below…

If you weren’t a footballer, which career path would you have taken?

I have no clue. Genuinely, the chips were all in and rather foolishly, I didn’t identify any other pathway, and I threw everything into football.

How important is education for athletes and professional footballers?

Contrary to what I did, I think it’s hugely important. Not just in the sense of after football, but I think it lends itself to the game. It shows commitment, an ability to do something you might not be your primary driver, but it’s still something you want to be successful at. Any sport now needs intelligent participants, and educations helps absorb all the information modern day football brings.

Have you ever played alongside someone who has been studying?

I played with a guy called Martin Taylor at Birmingham City, a big centre back who was academically very bright. He was studying a science-related degree. He spent a lot of time with that degree alongside playing football in the Premier League.

What has been the standout moment of your career?

Every time I pulled on an England jersey and sang the national anthem. All those moments were really memorable.

What is the biggest disappointment of your career, and how did you overcome it?

The 2010 World Cup with England. It was my biggest opportunity, something I’d worked six years to get to achieve, and it was a very difficult tournament. It didn’t end particularly well and that was hard to overcome and move on from.

What is the best thing about working in football?

You have the ability to turn up every day, challenge yourself mentally and physically. And if it doesn’t go well, you can always turn up again tomorrow.

Who is one player you would have liked to have played with?

Paolo Maldini. Just as a player in my position. Imagine playing with him at left back. He was phenomenal, exciting, intelligent. The longevity of his career was fantastic.

What is one piece of advice for anyone who wants a career in sport?

The same behaviour equals the same end result. Unless you’re willing to change certain things if you want to move forwards, that has to change. That was one of the most powerful things anyone said to me.

Find out more about UCFB’s incredible array of guest speakers, and what they’ve had to say to our students about forging successful careers within sport.