REF JESS A STRIKER Teen referee Jess Preece snapped cheering for England backs Three Lions to go all the way

A TEEN ref who shot to fame after she was snapped cheering on England has backed Gareth Southgate’s men to go all the way.

Posted Thursday, June 24, 2021 by Thesun.co.uk

Jess Preece, 18, was photographed draped in a St George’s flag celebrating Raheem Sterling’s winning goal against the Czech Republic.

Young ref Jess Preece is seen flying the flag for England after she shot to fame while celebrating Tuesday's win Credit: Peter Powell

REF JESS A STRIKER Teen referee Jess Preece snapped cheering for England backs Three Lions to go all the way
Teenager Jess, 18, was snapped as she cheered at a Manchester fan park Credit: Rex

The teenager partied through the match at the 4TheFans Manchester Fan Park on Tuesday night (22/6).

Now the Level 7 children’s referee believes the Three Lions can go all the way after their rousing 1-0 win at Wembley.

Jess, of central Manchester, said: “I think we can go do it this time. The talent we have in this team is world class and we can beat anyone on their day.

"The first two games really didn’t look promising but the last one Southgate changed the team up and it has totally transformed them. He made good use of the subs and with Maguire and Grealish everything looks really promising.

"I think we’ll probably face Portugal next, which is intimidating, but to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.”

West Brom fan Jess, originally from Alsager, Cheshire, has played footballer since she was a kid and got her reffing qualifications two years ago. She is an official for academy games and has looked after big matches for Stoke City and Crewe under-14s.

REF JESS A STRIKER Teen referee Jess Preece snapped cheering for England backs Three Lions to go all the way
She believes the Three Lions can go all the way after their rousing 1-0 win at Wembley Credit: Peter Powell

REF JESS A STRIKER Teen referee Jess Preece snapped cheering for England backs Three Lions to go all the way
Jess can normally be found running top under-14s games Credit: Peter Powell

Jess, now studying to become an engineer in Manchester, said: “My dad’s big into football but never played, and my younger brother plays but none of my girl mates do.

"I just love it. Sam Johnstone is my favourite player for the baggies and I like John Stones for England - I think he’s been very unlucky not to score and has put in some really good shifts.

"I do like Grealish too, despite the fact he’s Villa’s main man.”

REF JESS A STRIKER Teen referee Jess Preece snapped cheering for England backs Three Lions to go all the way
She told 'The talent we have in this team is world class' Credit: Peter Powell