Ben Godfrey believes the intense scrutiny at Rangers can fuel his ambition to earn a recall to the England national team. The 28-year-old defender, who joined the Ibrox club from Everton, says the pressure-cooker environment at Rangers suits his character and will help him drive the high standards demanded by manager Derek McInnes.
Pressure as a Positive
Godfrey, capped twice by England under Gareth Southgate five years ago, insists he thrives under pressure. “I think the characteristics of the club suit me,” he said. “When I look at the history and the size of the club, I think it’s the perfect place to be for me. You start to learn as a player that, if you don’t have any pressure in your career, then you’re probably not at the level that you want to be. It’s a given that, when you’re at a club this size, there’s going to be pressure that comes with it. So it’s important that you use that in a positive way.”
The former Everton man is eager to embrace the challenges at Rangers. “I’m looking forward to all the challenges. I’m excited to work under the manager. It’s going to be an exciting year. These are the clubs that you want to play for in your career. When you watch games as a kid, there’s always games that Rangers are involved in that you watch. It’s a club that’s recognised worldwide and that’s where you want to be as a player. With this shirt on, representing this badge.”
A Leader On and Off the Pitch
Godfrey sees himself as a senior figure who can mentor younger players and maintain standards. “At 28 years old now, I think I’ve experienced quite a lot in football. I can drive standards every day. That’s what the manager and this club expect of players, so I’ll certainly do that. That’s the type of character I am. Hard work is a given. I’m someone who’s always going to be around to help the young players and teach them what it takes to break through at this level. I had people above me who did that when I was their age. It’s going to be important for us senior players to drive everyone on and keep everyone together, especially when there are tough times in a season.”
Reflecting on his career, Godfrey said: “I’ve had all sorts of experiences throughout my career. Highs and lows. The very top and, obviously, the very lowest as well. I think that’s just football. You’ve just got to ride them out. I think it’s made me the person, the player that I am today. I don’t regret anything throughout my career. I learn from every day. I can use all that playing experience and off-pitch experience to be as successful as I can here.”
England Ambition Remains
Despite focusing on Rangers, Godfrey admits the international flame still burns. “It’s always the same answer when it comes to the national team. Obviously, I got a taste of it before and every person’s dream is to represent their national team. I’ve always got that hunger, but, listen, the club football, if that’s successful and you are performing consistently, the rest will take care of itself. My focus is on playing well for Rangers and winning games.”
Asked if seeing current Rangers stars at the World Cup showed it was an attainable goal, he replied: “Of course it is, yeah.”
Working Under Derek McInnes
Godfrey praised McInnes for moving swiftly to secure his signing. “He’s great. Obviously, his career speaks for itself. We’re just excited to work together. No matter how old you are, even at my age now, there’s still plenty that I can learn from the manager. I’ll give my all every day for him and in every game. He’s a great guy and he’ll do well for this club. He’ll give his all.”
