Wolves ace Iorfa targeting squad spot at Toulon Festival

Wednesday 13 May 2015
Dominic Iorfa has become a regular in Aidy Boothroyd's England U20 squad
Dominic Iorfa is hoping his strong end to the season with Wolves will see him get the nod for England Under-20s’ trip to Toulon.

The Young Lions are heading to southern France later this month for the annual Festival de Espoirs, where they will face games against Mexico, Ivory Coast, China and Morocco.

The Toulon Festival

27 May - 7 June 2015
Toulon, France
Group A: Costa Rica, France, Netherlands, Qatar, USA
Group B: China, England, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Morocco
Players born on or after 1 January 1993 are eligible

And as U20s boss Aidy Boothroyd prepares to draw up his squad list for the competition, Iorfa says he is keeping himself in good shape ahead of any potential call-up.

"For now, I have to do my bit here and there because I’ve been playing lots of games and the season only just finished, so I feel fit now," he revealed. 

"But equally, I need to ensure I keep on top of things, keep my levels up and be ready for England in Toulon, if I’m selected.

"It’s a great tournament in the summer to look forward to."

Southend-born Iorfa has enjoyed a real breakthrough this season, for both club and country.

Previously capped for England U18s in 2013, he became a regular for Wolves under Kenny Jackett after making his debut in December. He was duly named as the Championship’s Young Player of the Month in January after helping the Molineux club to three clean sheets in four games.

England

Iorfa in action against Mexico at the Hive in March

He had already made his U20s debut by then, featuring against Portugal in November and then playing in the March fixtures with Mexico and USA as Boothroyd’s team continued their unbeaten campaign.

"For me, it’s been a breakthrough season and I played a lot more games than I thought I would have done and got back into the England setup as well," he said, speaking at the Together For England Roadshow in West Bromwich last week.

"So it’s been a very good season and I’m just looking to end it on a high in Toulon with the U20s.

"Aidy [Boothroyd] is a top man and a really good gaffer, he’s great on the training field and really easy to talk to, as are all the coaching staff in the U20s setup. 

"They get across their methods really clearly and the training sessions are always really enjoyable. Serious, but also fun."

With at least four more games to come, and possibly another on top of that should the Young Lions reach the final stages in Toulon, it’s a challenge which the 19-year-old is looking forward to.

"The opposition we’ll be playing against will be of the highest quality," he added. 

"The last two games that I played in were against Mexico and Portugal and they were really tough games, which is really enjoyable. 

"You go out into every game wanting to learn, and from playing those sorts of nations you definitely do.

"From speaking to other people who have been to Toulon in previous years, they’ve said the quality of the opposition is always top notch. It will be a good test and I’m really looking forward to it."

He continued: "The game against Mexico was the first time I’ve ever played against non-European opposition. 

"We watched them on the videos beforehand and they looked strong and direct, but when we played them they were anything but. 

"They were one of the best footballing sides I’ve ever played against. They were a really good side and we did well to get a result – hopefully we can do the same in Toulon."

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Dominic Iorfa in action against Millwall.

Iorfa has become a regular first-team choice for Wolves this season

The son of the former QPR, Peterborough United and Southend striker of the same name, Iorfa has quickly become a real fans’ favourite at Molineux.

Jackett’s side narrowly missed out on a play-off spot this term, but after having his first taste of life in the Championship over the last six months, Iorfa is now looking forward to further establishing himself in the Wolves team.

"My aims for next season will be to try and get as many games as I can for my parent club," he told TheFA.com. 

"I went out to Shrewsbury on loan last season, that was my first taste of men’s football and it showed me what it’s all about. It’s completely different to playing club Under-21s football. 

"I was 18 at the time and although it was a lot more physical than what I was used to, when I made my debut for Wolves, I already knew what men’s football was all about so it helped me massively and has helped me develop as a player.

Watch highlights of England U20s' match against USA in Plymouth in March

"In terms of internationally, the next aim for me has to be to try and push to get into the Under-21s side. 

"That’s got to be the goal if I’m being positive."

Iorfa was appearing alongside U20s and Wolves team-mate Kourtney Hause at the Together For England Roadshow, which was held at the West Bromwich Albion Academy - an event to raise awareness of disability football in England.

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels