Germany vs England: A Decade on From Hamburg
Russell Goldstein, Jonathan Sim, Doug Reed and Luke Ballinger connect the past with the present as they recall the 2016 fixture in Hamburg and how futsal has developed since…
The England Futsal side line up ahead of their clash with Germany in Hamburg, October 2016.
We spoke to four of our Lions, past and present, all of whom were involved in the first fixture between the nations in 2016, to get new insight into the unforgettable experience of playing Germany in Germany, the pride of pulling on the Three Lions badge and futsal’s international development since the 5-3 loss and 3-3 draw in Hamburg.
Russell Goldstein and Jonathan Sim are the only two current players to have been part of both that 2016 squad and the upcoming group who travel to Stuttgart next week.
Doug Reed and Luke Ballinger are two of England Futsal’s greatest servants, both winning over 100 caps in their international careers and playing key roles in that England side of 2016.
DOUG REED
LIONS CAREER
England Caps: 101
England Debut: vs Netherlands, 28th October 2008.
Last England Cap: vs Moldova, 1st February 2020.
Doug scored twice in the 5-3 opening loss in Hamburg. He is one of England Futsal’s most decorated players, earning the Golden Cap for 100 international appearances whilst playing futsal professionally in both Spain and Croatia during a glittering club career.
Reed’s post-playing career has most recently seen him work as a Team Services Manager with FIFA on the 2024 Men’s Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan and the 2025 Women’s Futsal World Cup in the Philippines…
What memories do you have of the 2016 fixtures in Hamburg?
“There was a real buzz around the game. It was Germany’s first-ever national team fixture, an important moment for the sport, and there is the historic rivalry between the two countries plus the event itself was a sell-out in an impressive arena. It was a challenging match, we had no footage to prepare with and they were extremely fit and physical. Of course, we were very disappointed to lose and determined to perform better the following day.”
How have you seen the international game develop in the last decade?
“It’s hard to believe it’s nearly ten years on and the international game has moved on massively. Just before the game Argentina had broke the Brazil–Spain duopoly by winning the World Cup and, with hindsight, it was the beginning of a new era for international futsal with more nations able to compete at the highest level. We see at the Euro finals now strong nations not qualifying and debutants doing very well. The introduction of the Women’s World Cup and Women’s Euros during this period has added a whole new dimension to the sport.”
Do you have a message for this new era of England Futsal players as they make their way on the international stage?
“An England career goes by very quickly. Reaching that level is a privilege earned through hard work and talent. You should try to enjoy and take in the full experience — the competitive games, the arenas, the crowds, the travel to different countries, and the time with teammates and support staff.”
And finally, do you have a message for England supporters and the futsal community as they look forward to another season of Lions and Lionesses international fixtures?
“Supporting and promoting our teams has an impact both in helping the team but also growing the sport and giving more people the opportunity to enjoy this amazing game. I hope we see England teams and players develop over the next few years and, one day, participating in the major tournaments. It would be an amazing moment for the whole futsal community.”
JONATHAN SIM
LIONS CAREER
England Caps: 18
England Debut: vs Scotland, 2nd December 2016.
Jonny has become a firm fan favourite amongst the new generation of England Futsal fans, after a series of spectacular performances between the posts in last season’s UEFA Futsal Euro campaign against the likes of Spain and Bosnia. But Sim’s international career stretches as far back as that first trip to Germany…
Sim is the only member of the current squad who plays his futsal outside of the English domestic league - plying his trade for Futsal Escocia in the Scottish Futsal Super League…
What memories do you have of the 2016 fixtures in Hamburg?
“I remember it vividly, it was my first experience in the match day squad. Although I didn't get on the court for my first cap, it was still the first time I walked out in an England shirt and sang the anthem, and you never forget those moments. The atmosphere in Hamburg was incredible.”
As you prepare for next week’s fixture in Stuttgart, how does it feel to have had a 10 year plus career in international futsal and be the only two surviving players from that group?
“It's a strange feeling reflecting on the last 10 years of futsal, there have been plenty of ups and downs. I'm proud to still be in the squad and I think the fact Russell and myself are the only ones still here is testimony to the wave of new futsal talent that has come through in the last few years.”
What key differences are there between international futsal now and then? How excited are you by the new era of players that are now in this squad?
“I think that more and more teams have a wider tactical understanding of the game, able to play different styles and adapt quickly to different situations. International futsal is so fast, dynamic and physical, and it was inspiring to see so many of our young players make their debuts last year, and rise to these challenges. We have a young and ambitious group, hungry to improve and succeed.”
How exciting is it to be playing three more international fixtures in front of a home crowd this April?
“The squad can't wait to be back in Loughborough in front of a home crowd, we had such incredible support last year. We will be doing everything we can to get three wins and progress to the next round of qualifiers.”
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LUKE BALLINGER
LIONS CAREER
England Caps (Goals): 108 (60)
England Debut: 4 Nations Tournament, September 2007.
Last England Cap: vs Bulgaria, January 2017.
A former Lions captain, Luke is England Futsal’s most capped and prolific player of all time, receiving his Golden Cap on the pitch at Wembley in 2017. Having made his international debut aged just 19, Ballinger’s 100th international appearance came in the second fixture in Hamburg, becoming the first England Futsal player to reach the milestone.
While now retired from England duties, Luke still plays domestic futsal in the National Futsal League…
What memories do you have of the 2016 fixtures in Hamburg?
“For me personally, I was going into the double-header against Germany knowing I would be making my 100th appearance in an England shirt in the second game. I can clearly remember arriving at the arena and knowing how big the occasion was for them as well as for us.
Everything about it felt like turning up to a Premier League fixture. The crowds were queuing outside, and the professionalism inside the arena made it feel like a huge spectacle. We were incredibly disappointed in the first game after being beaten, but what really stood out was the crowd staying behind for a long time afterwards, cheering their team on.
That atmosphere fuelled me. It made me determined to come back the next day and make sure we were better.”
How have you seen the international game develop in the last decade?
“The saying “life goes on” definitely applies to futsal. The game has continued to grow, and the introduction of the Women’s World Cup and the Under-19s tournament has been amazing. These additions have given more people a platform to play this wonderful game, and show how far futsal has come on the international stage.”
Do you have a message for this new era of England futsal players as they make their way on the international stage?
“Nearly 20 years ago, I was lucky enough to make my debut for England, and it still feels like yesterday. My message to all players is simple: embrace every single second you pull on a shirt with the Three Lions on your chest. There is no bigger honour.
You are not only representing yourself, your family, and your friends, but also every single person who is working tirelessly to promote this sport. Enjoy every moment — the highs and the lows. The memories you make will live with you forever.”
Finally, do you have a message for England supporters and the futsal community as they look forward to another season of Lions and Lionesses international fixtures?
“To all our supporters and the wider futsal community: keep supporting and keep knocking down the barriers that stand in the way. There will always be challenges, but enjoy the journey.
Support our players. The challenges they face both on and off the court are huge, but they will give everything they have to make you proud. This wonderful game is worth every bit of energy we put into helping it grow.”
RUSSELL GOLDSTEIN
LIONS CAREER
England Caps (Goals): 59 (10)
England Debut: vs Andorra, 14th December 2014.
With an international career spanning more than a decade, Russ is one of the real leaders in the current England group. Now playing domestically for Bloomsbury Futsal Club in London, he was a key part of our UEFA Futsal Euro Main Round campaign in 2024/25, scoring twice and featuring in every game of the group.
What memories do you have of the 2016 fixtures in Hamburg?
“I remember the atmosphere. It stared outside the ground where there were Germany fans screaming and this was something I had never experienced before. When we came out to warm up, I was shocked to see how close the fans were to the court, with just a net separating us. When the game started their fans were so loud that you couldn’t actually hear the bench, or your team and this was something that you didn’t get at other games.
I remember taking a kick in and seeing the net behind me rattle so close to me while their fans were going crazy.”
As you prepare for next week’s fixture in Stuttgart, how does it feel to have had a 10 year plus career in international futsal and be the only two surviving players from that group?
“It’s an honour. I’ve always said being able to put on the England shirt is something you should never take for granted. It’s down to sacrifice and dedication over these years, especially during and after Covid, when the team were unable to compete for a number of years.”
What key differences are there between international futsal now and then? How excited are you by the young, new era of players that are now in this squad?
“I feel like a lot has changed. Back then it was about being direct, whereas now there is a lot more tactical information. We have a lot of young players coming through now, many of whom have been around the squad for the last 2 years. It’s great to see them come through the pathway and, when breaking into the team still having the confidence and ability to show why they are there. As one of the older guys in the team it’s our duty to help prepare the group for what it’s going to be like and give them the confidence to succeed not just now but for another 10 years!”
How exciting is it to be playing three more international fixtures in front of a home crowd this April?
“It’s really special to play in front of a home crowd, bringing together friends, family and people who love the sport. Last year, there was a memorable atmosphere at every home hame and that’s something we hope to see again, with our primary focus being qualification for the Main Round.”
