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Matt Oldfield, Author
Series: Football Spy
Imprint: Starboard
Publication date: November 5, 2026
Category: Sporting stories
ISBN: 9781444981629
Ethan Fox is living a double life – not only is he a spy, he’s training at the England football centre. Book 2 in the page-turning new series from the multimillion bestseller, perfect for readers 8-12.
IF YOU WANT YOUR STAR STRIKER BACK ALIVE, SEND THE MONEY WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. CLOCK’S TICKING…
It’s a dream come true for Ethan Fox when the Hurricanes Under-14s are invited to train at St George’s Park, home of the England football team!
But when the England number nine is taken hostage, it’s up to Ethan to track him down. As old enemies wait in the shadows, Ethan has to put everything on the line.
In this game, second changes are lethal.
From the multimillion bestseller, award-winner, and 2026 World Book Day author.
Includes illustrations such as game tactics, spy gadgets and big moments on the pitch!
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* Author of Football Goat: MESSI vs RONALDO and Ultimate Football Heroes: YAMAL *
* And winner of the TELEGRAPH CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR *
* Football Spy is the perfect gift for reluctant readers, girls and boys age 8 9 19 11 12 13 *
“I couldn’t stop reading it!” – Jude, age 11
“I loved this book!” – Flo, age 9
“Training and matches, and spy stuff – cool gadgets, mystery and chases. My son raced through this, and we will move on from this series to Alex Rider” – Katy, school librarian.
Matt Oldfield writes the Ultimate Football Heroes and Classic Football Heroes series with his brother Tom. Matt also works with schools and organisations such as The National Literacy Trust and The National Football Museum to deliver football-based literacy workshops. To date, the Ultimate Football Heroes series has sold over 300,000 copies in the UK alone.
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