Everton's Ben Godfrey opens up on Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday rejection

England international Ben Godfrey has claimed he was rejected by a host of clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, as a youngster. Capable of playing centre-back and both full-back positions, Godfrey is now an established Premier League player with Everton.

But the defender says he was turned down by Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Wednesday and Barnsley before making a top flight breakthrough. Godfrey was shown the door by Boro before unsuccessful trials with Leeds United, Wednesday and Barnsley.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Godfrey said: “It felt a little bit like the dream was over [after his Middlesbrough release]. After that, there were trials with Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United. None led to a contract.

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"For them to say no was a massive confidence-breaker, really. It looked like the end of the journey.

"The moment that stands out massively is after that Leeds United trial. The coach told me they were not going to offer me anything but to go and prove him wrong.

“That stuck with me. I was desperate then. I could not wait to go and prove them wrong.”

After dropping down the pyramid to join his hometown club York City, Godfrey made his debut at the tender age of 17. An impressive loan spell with Shrewsbury Town prompted Norwich City to take a chance on him.

Driven to reach the top and prove people wrong, Godfrey was snapped up by Everton for a fee rising to £25 million with add-ons in the summer of 2020. He was voted Young Player of the Season in his maiden Goodison Park season. His rapid progress earned him two England caps prior to Euro 2020.

"It is a strange old journey," admitted the 24-year-old. "I looked up