AN INSPIRING athlete has overcome the odds and defied challenges to become the face of England's football team.

Matthew Oaten, from Basildon, grew up playing football in the town and has now become one of the main stays in England's deaf team.

The fullback was born deaf and has now become a regular feature for the national side since being called up in 2022.

Aged just 24, Matt has become an icon and inspiration for deaf children all over the country and was involved in England's Euros kit launch.

He said: "I was a sports mad boy growing up, I was always willing to be involved in every sports team at school.

"I joined a local team called Perry Street, based in Billericay when I was around 9 years old, and played for them until I was 15 years old.

"Growing up, deaf sports never really got the recognition and exposure that it deserved, so I never really had a deaf role model.

"Whereas now, the exposure for deaf football is growing and getting a lot more recognition across the country through social media. So, I aim to be someone that deaf kids can look up to and to know that they can do anything they want in life and overcome barriers that us deaf people face every day.

"I will always try my best to be that person to make sure the next generation has someone to look up to."

Matt was first introduced to deaf football when he joined Fulham Deaf Football Club. The starlet played for the Cottagers for three years before being called to the country's under-21 side.

He enjoyed a short spell there before achieving his dream of playing for the senior side.

"Getting the call to play with the senior team was an unbelievable feeling.

"Words can’t describe what it feels like to wear the England shirt and represent your country on a big stage. Every time I put the shirt on it always feels like the first time.

"I know lots of people dream of things like this, so I never take it for granted and always promise to give 110% every time I put the shirt on and go on to the pitch"