A forgotten ex-England U21 star who also played for Wales is now a regular starter for MLS side LA Galaxy.
Shot-stopper Jonathan Bond has been a main staple in David Beckham’s former Galaxy side since joining them in 2021 from West Brom. And after making the switch to Los Angeles, Bond has made 65 appearances, keeping 11 clean sheets in total.
But before making his mark in the MLS, the 29-year-old was tipped to be No1 for either England or Wales following stints with both the British nations. The 6ft4in keeper made 14 appearances for Wales’ U17-U19 team between 2009 to 2011, before switching allegiances to England in 2013 where he brushed shoulders with the country’s future stars such as Harry Kane and John Stones.
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He won five caps with the Three Lions’ U21 squad under Gareth Southgate, and at the time Bond was pushing for the No1 Spot. Speaking on his experience with the team, he said to the FA in a previous interview: “I love going away with England, it’s a completely different experience to anything else I’ve been a part of.
“Gareth Southgate has created a great environment and all the players look forward to being part of it. We’ve got some big games coming and a big tournament in the summer, so I’ll be doing everything I can to make sure I’m selected.”
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(Image: Getty Images)
However, Bond failed to make the desired impact on the squad and soon slid into international obscurity, and his domestic career also followed suit. Bond wasn’t able to nail down a spot in Reading’s side after joining the Royals in 2015, and spent consecutive spells on loan with Gillingham and Peterborough before another ill-fated stint occurred at West Brom, resulting in his switch Stateside.
(Image: Greig Cowie/Bpi/REX/Shutterstock)
Bond had no intention of remaining a bench warmer in LA, and went there with the intention of snagging a first-team spot. Ahead of his move to Galaxy, he declared to The Athletic: “I’m going there to play and be No 1, we haven’t really broached that discussion and you’re never guaranteed it, because I know the other goalkeepers and they are quality keepers.
“I’m going there very single-minded to play and be part of their new project.” And Bond’s determination has paid off as he was awarded a new contract in December by Galaxy until 2024 with an option to extend for another year.
(Image: jonathanbond23/Instagram)
Bond will be hoping to catch old boss Southgate’s attention with his performances in the MLS to have any hope of playing international football again, ahead of Euro 2024. Although he’s got an American mother, it’s unlikely that he’d be able to represent the USA in future after making one international switch already.
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