Callum Hudson-Odoi feels as though he is reliving the early days of his professional journey. His current focus mirrors that of his breakthrough years – stepping onto the pitch with confidence, aiming to contribute with goals and assists, and working towards a place in the England squad. Now 24, the winger has been integral to Nottingham Forest’s strong Premier League campaign, which has brought them within reach of Champions League qualification. Additionally, the club is preparing for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash against Brighton.
Once regarded as one of England’s brightest young talents, Hudson-Odoi was a standout in Chelsea’s academy. His rapid rise led to interest from Bayern Munich in January 2019, though Chelsea resisted their advances. That same year, he made his senior international debut under Gareth Southgate, coming off the bench in a dominant 5-0 victory over the Czech Republic in a Euro 2020 qualifier. At just 18, he became the youngest player to represent England in a competitive fixture, breaking a record that had stood for over six decades.
Overcoming setbacks
However, his progress was halted in April 2019 when he suffered a serious achilles injury against Burnley. The rupture was severe, with the tendon fully detaching from the bone, leading to a lengthy seven-month recovery period, followed by further setbacks.
Reflecting on that difficult period, he admitted it was a mentally challenging time. “I had been playing regularly, got my first England call-up, and then suddenly everything changed,” he told BBC Sport. “The biggest question was whether I would ever regain my old form – whether I would still be able to sprint or strike the ball as before.”
At the time of the injury, Chelsea were under the management of Maurizio Sarri, later succeeded by Frank Lampard. However, it was Thomas Tuchel who gave Hudson-Odoi the most opportunities at Stamford Bridge, though their relationship was not without its challenges.
The road back to the top
In February 2021, during a Premier League match against Southampton, Tuchel substituted Hudson-Odoi into the game at half-time, only to withdraw him 31 minutes later. The German coach did not hold back in his post-match comments, stating he was “not satisfied with the attitude, energy, and counter-pressing” the winger had displayed. “Maybe it was even unfair, but it was my feeling,” Tuchel explained at the time. “I expect 100% effort, and he was not in the right condition to help us.”
Despite their past disagreements, Hudson-Odoi acknowledges the impact Tuchel had on his development. This season, his strong form for Forest – where he has netted five goals and provided two assists – sparked speculation about a potential return to the England squad. Though he was ultimately not included in Tuchel’s first selection as national coach, he remains open to the possibility.
“We had our differences, which is normal between a player and manager,” he said. “At times, I questioned playing at wing-back, but I later realized it was to help both the team and my overall game. Tuchel is a fantastic coach who knows how to maximize a player’s potential. If I get another chance with England, I’ll be ready to prove myself again.”
Looking ahead
Hudson-Odoi believes he has matured significantly since his debut at 17 and is now fully focused on rediscovering the level that once made him one of the most coveted young players in English football. “I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone else – this is about proving to myself that I can still be the player I once was,” he stated. “I want to return to that mindset where I step onto the pitch knowing I can make a difference in every match.”
With Nottingham Forest flourishing under Nuno Espirito Santo, Hudson-Odoi remains optimistic about what lies ahead. “This season, everything has changed—our mentality, our drive,” he said. “We are constantly pushing each other to improve. We know what we are capable of achieving, and as a team, we must keep dreaming and believing.”
