BBC Breakfast used Rainhill High School to broadcast live ahead of England’s opening match against Tunisia. The team set off to meet the staff and students at the former high school of two players in the England Squad; Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Both have been chosen to represent England in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Trent only left the school in 2017.
The team reported live from the school, and even brought a giant BBC mug along for a game of ‘Breakfast World Cup Header in a Mug Challenge’ which involved students playing on the game live on TV on Rainhill’s state of the art 3G pitch.
Speaking to staff and students, the reporter’s focus turned to the emerging England star, Trent Alexander-Arnold: Said Nicola Ericson, Trent’s former form tutor. “Trent was a model student. Absolutely brilliant, dedicated and really mature. Someone you’d really want in your class”
Executive Principal John Pout, added“Our job in partnership with Liverpool FC is to ensure they get great GCSEs, grow up into good citizens and fit in with the local children. Trent did all of these things. We are extremely proud of Trent – He’s done a fantastic job. Raheem was great when he was here too and best of luck England for tonight”
Although it is incredible that two players in the England World Cup squad came from the same high school, Rainhill’s sporting success doesn’t end there, there is a healthy Elite Performers programme that nurtures future talent in multiple sports.
Hannah Rylatt (Currently ranked 5th in the UK in her age group for tennis) is one such student and told the reporter of her ambitions and prediction for the England V Tunisia Game: “I would like to go to America when I finish high school and do great things. I think tonight’s game will be close, but we all expect England to win”
Her friend James was incredibly close with his prediction of the match result: “It will be a close game, but I reckon England will win 2-0”
The Breakfast Show returned to the school several times throughout its broadcast and also asked staff how they felt having two students from the school in the England World Cup Squad:
Nicola Ericson (LFC Link Teacher) said:“It’s a very proud moment for us all, not just for LFC, but for Rainhill as a school – we are one big team”
Sentiments echoed by Executive Principal, John Pout: “It’s a fantastic day for Trent, Raheem and the whole school”
England went on to win the match 2-1 and although Trent didn’t play this time, Raheem Sterling did make the starting lineup. We all wish them both the best of luck for the rest of the tournament and look forward to seeing how far England can progress.
