A Hatfield lecturer has been appointed as a therapist to the England football team, making his first appearance on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.

Joel Harris of the University of Hertfordshire, England’s new soft tissue therapist, appeared on the pitch treating players as England beat Lithuania 2-0.

Joel, who lectures sports therapy, said: “I am delighted and extremely proud to have been asked to work for the England football team.

“It is a real pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of people including Gareth Southgate, who is doing a fantastic job.

“I’d like to thank the university, especially Richard Southern the dean of the School of Life and Medical Sciences, for being so supportive and enabling me to balance my two roles effectively.”

A former police detective, he will travel to international games and attend training camps.

As well as treating injuries, he will try to prevent them through management of muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Joel has already spent ten years working for Arsenal and four years with the England under-20 and under-21 squads.