DARREN England was on his way to the tip when he received the call to confirm he had achieved his career ambition – to referee the FA Cup final.
The 40-year-old from Little Houghton is set to lead out Manchester City, who could have his fellow Barnsley man John Stones in their line-up, and Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday for the 3pm kick-off.
Premier League regular England – who started in local leagues in Barnsley – was an assistant referee in the 2015 final then, after changing to refereeing, was fourth official in last year’s final.
England told the Chronicle: “Getting the call from the FA is something I’ll never forget.
“It’s been an ambition of mine ever since I made the decision to step away from being an assistant referee and push myself to reach the very top as a referee.
“What makes it even more memorable is where I was at the time, on my way to the local tip with a load of garden waste.
“It definitely wasn’t how I imagined receiving a call like that.
“Looking back, I never imagined that refereeing local games at clubs like Athersley Rec, Houghton Main and Worsbrough Bridge would take me on a journey around the world, raising the flag and blowing the whistle in so many different countries.
“To walk out at Wembley, leading the teams out with the ball, will be an incredible honour.
“More than anything, I hope it shows young people that if you work hard, believe in yourself and stay resilient, amazing opportunities can come your way.
“I’ll be hugely proud to represent referees across the country, and especially my hometown, on such a big stage.
“None of this happens on your own.
“I’m so grateful for the support of my wife, children, parents, family and friends – they’ve been there through everything, not just the good moments. To have them there at Wembley will mean the world.”
Darren also had an important role to play this weekend.
He was the VAR who sent referee Chris Kavanagh to review West Ham’s disallowed equaliser against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Stones will look to win the FA Cup for the third time in his glittering career.
The Thurlstone man made his first Premier League appearance since December off the bench in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday. He has started three times for City in the FA Cup in 2026, including the semi-final win over Southampton.
The Barnsley academy graduate, who played 28 times for the Reds, will turn 32 later this month and has already announced he will leave City at the end of the season.
They are still in contention for the Premier League title, which would be their seventh in Stones’ time at the club, while he is hoping to be selected for a third World Cup with England for whom he has 87 caps.
The squad for next month’s tournament in North America is expected to be announced by Thomas Tuchel on Friday of next week.
n England will be the third Barnsley man to referee an FA Cup final after Steve Lodge in 1997 and Arthur Holland in 1964. More on page 21.
