Former England U17 international James Walker dies aged 38

Former England Under-17 international James Walker has died aged 38, seven years after suffering a life-changing cardiac arrest. According to the Daily Express, Walker collapsed while demonstrating a somersault during a PE class in 2019 and spent 15 days in a coma after the incident.

The former Charlton academy graduate made 54 appearances for Southend United between 2008 and 2010, scoring eight goals, while also playing for several other English clubs. He suffered another cardiac arrest last November and died peacefully in his sleep on September 19. Southend will honour him with a minute’s applause before Saturday’s match.