As Crystal Palace prepare to kick off their FA Youth Cup campaign on Friday (5th December, 18:00 GMT) few players enter in better form than 17-year-old wing-back Joel Drakes-Thomas. Fresh from an impressive England U17s spell and a strong return to club action, he now turns his focus to another big night in the country’s premier youth competition.
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For me personally, another good camp
—Joel Drakes-Thomas
Drakes-Thomas enjoyed an outstanding camp with England in Dubai, playing an important role across all three fixtures.
He made an instant impact in the 5–2 comeback win over the USA, coming off the bench to set up England’s fifth goal with a sharp burst down the flank and a perfectly weighted cross for Mathis Eboue’s hat-trick header.
He then completed a full 90 minutes in the 1–1 draw with Côte d’Ivoire and started again in the final match against Australia a result that ensured the young Lions finished the tournament unbeaten and second behind Côte d’Ivoire.
It capped a strong few weeks for Drakes-Thomas, who also started all three of England’s European Championship qualifiers the previous month. Reflecting on the experience, he spoke with maturity about the level, the turnaround, and his own performances.
“It was good, to be fair, because obviously we were at the Euro qualifiers – Scotland, Lithuania, Sweden,” he recalled.
“It probably wasn’t our best show. As a team, we knew we could have done better. But me as an individual, I did well.
"Then there was a quick turnaround because we had a Dubai tour. There were new boys, some coming back from old camps, but it was good. We finished second and didn’t lose any games. For me personally, another good camp. So yeah, happy with that.”
Two good games and three points from both of them
—Joel Drakes-Thomas
His return to Palace was equally relentless, with two games in three days – first a must-win Premier League International Cup match for the U21s against FC Nordsjaelland, then a strong U18s performance against Southampton.
“Nordsjaelland are a different side,” he said. “We knew before the game they were a good team – kept possession well, good academy system. For me personally it was just about really trying to get at them.
"The team did well too. We slipped a bit at the end with the two goals, but it was a good show.
"And then Southampton… different side, different style. I had to adapt, but that’s what you’ve got to do as a footballer. Two good games and three points from both of them, which is good.”
Everyone’s focused and ready
—Joel Drakes-Thomas
This year’s Youth Cup also gives Drakes-Thomas a chance to return to a stage he first experienced last season, when Palace suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to holders Manchester City at this same point in the competition.
“No, I’m buzzing, to be fair,” he said with a grin. “I got a chance to play in the FA Youth Cup last year. I was 16. It gave me a bit of exposure. We played City – tough game, obviously we lost, but it was close. It was good to experience it.
“The FA Youth Cup is well recognised as one of the biggest tournaments in England. To be competing in that again is a big thing. To be doing it at Selhurst Park as well… yeah, looking forward to it for sure.”
This week’s preparation, he says, has been sharp and positive.
“It’s been good. Dropping back to my original age group is a little different. I haven’t been with Javi [Alonso] and Toddy as much this season – more with Powelly [Darren Powell].
"But they’ve got good styles. Toddy was my coach last year, so I know him well. And Javi’s coming in with a good system. Prep’s been good. Everyone’s focused, ready. It’s been competitive, lots of smiles. Going into a cup, everyone wants to be together. So yeah, it’s been good, man.”
To be up there at Selhurst… our families are both going to be proud
—Joel Drakes-Thomas
One storyline adds even more excitement – the prospect of stepping out at Selhurst Park alongside his best friend, winger Makai Bernard-Ferguson – who scored a stunning goal at the weekend just minutes after the restart at Southampton. The two have been inseparable since their earliest days at Lambeth Tigers.
“No, it will be great, definitely,” he said. “We’re both from South London – being part of a South London team is a good feeling. Me and Makai have been playing from Lambeth Tigers grassroots to Palace since we were six.
"To be up there at Selhurst… our families are both going to be proud. I’m looking forward to kicking the ball with my boy and hopefully getting the three points with the rest of the team.”
Crystal Palace U18s v Bradford City U18s
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