Will Hughes

Born in Weybridge, Surrey,{{cite book|editor1-first=Glenda|editor1-last=Rollin|editor2-first=Jack|editor2-last=Rollin|title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013|year=2012|publisher=Headline Publishing Group|location=London|isbn=978-0-7553-6356-8|page=464|edition=43rd}} Hughes moved to Derby at the age of two.{{cite web| title =Hughes to step up from the Rams Academy| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13763744-detail/story.html?| newspaper =Derby Telegraph| date =5 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Hughes was first educated at St Peter's Junior school and then Repton School for secondary school in Derbyshire, where he was a boarder attending on a sports scholarship.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/will-hughes-macho-dressing-room-culture-makes-it-hard-to-open-up-ml7mhr8kx |title=Will Hughes: Football has a lot of macho men: it's hard to open up |newspaper=The Times |first=Henry |last=Winter |date=6 April 2019 |access-date=6 April 2019}} Growing up, Hughes also played cricket and tennis. He played for Repton's football team, reaching the final of the Independent Schools Football Association Under-15 Cup in 2010, where he scored the first goal in a 3–1 extra-time defeat to Brentwood.{{cite web| title =Repton denied in decider| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Repton-denied-decider/story-11648279-detail/story.html| archive-url =https://archive.today/20130505100514/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Repton-denied-decider/story-11648279-detail/story.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =5 May 2013| newspaper =Derby Telegraph| date =10 March 2010}} Having briefly been on the books of Nottingham Forest, Hughes played for local side Mickleover Jubilee, before leaving Repton to sign for Derby County as a first-year scholar in the summer of 2011. While at Derby he completed A-Levels in politics and business with the help of tutors.

Hughes made his debut for the club's reserve team as a 70th minute substitute in a 6–1 Central League win over Walsall on 22 September 2011{{cite web| title =Derby County Res 6–1 Walsall Res| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2444297,00.html| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =22 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and made two additional appearances in the Central League Cup. It was his "outstanding"{{cite web| title =Derby County Res 1–0 Port Vale Res| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2500904,00.html?| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =1 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} performance in a 1–0 win over Port Vale reserves in the competition on 1 November which brought him to manager Nigel Clough's attention for possible inclusion in the Derby first-team squad against Peterborough United four days later.

Hughes made his full debut for Derby as a 90th-minute substitute for Jamie Ward. Despite entering the match late with the scores level, there was still time for Hughes' first-team debut to end in defeat as a 94th-minute goal saw Peterborough win 3–2.{{cite web| title =Peterborough United 3 – 2 Derby County| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10270~58235,00.html| archive-url =http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110116024428/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10270%7E58235%2C00.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =16 January 2011| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =5 November 2011}}

After Derby midfielder Paul Green, who was out-of-contract at the end of the season, rejected a contract offer, Clough dropped him and promoted Hughes to the first-team squad as his replacement for the penultimate match of the season at Portsmouth.{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Clough-cast-net-Green-turns-offer/story-15866524-detail/story.html| title =Clough to cast net after Green turns down offer| newspaper =Derby Telegraph| date =20 April 2012| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120422082108/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Clough-cast-net-Green-turns-offer/story-15866524-detail/story.html| archive-date =22 April 2012}} Hughes started the match on the substitute's bench and came on in the 68th minute, replacing Theo Robinson in a 2–1 win.{{cite web| title =Portsmouth 1–2 Derby County| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10270~59014,00.html| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =21 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Hughes started his first match for the senior team in the final match of the season, a 1–1 draw against Peterborough United.{{cite web| title =Derby County 1–1 Peterborough United| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10270~59299,00.html| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =28 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Hughes' performance match earned praise from Derby manager Nigel Clough.{{cite web| title =Clough Impressed By Hughes Display| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2754789,00.html| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =30 April 2012| access-date =1 May 2012| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120502201320/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2754789,00.html| archive-date =2 May 2012| url-status =dead}} At Derby's awards night, Hughes won the Scholar of the Year Award.{{cite web| title =Bryson Named Club Player of the Year| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2754942,00.html| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =2 May 2012}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

After impressing in pre-season, Clough said that Hughes could be in line for a place in the starting line-up in the first match of the season against Scunthorpe United in the League Cup.{{cite web| title =Will Hughes is in frame for Derby County starting line-up| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Hughes-frame-Derby-County-starting-line/story-16669813-detail/story.html| newspaper =Derby Telegraph| date =8 August 2012| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://archive.today/20130505154158/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Hughes-frame-Derby-County-starting-line/story-16669813-detail/story.html| archive-date =5 May 2013}} Clough was particularly impressed with his substitute appearance against Colchester United saying, "When he came off the bench at Colchester, he was very good indeed. I thought he was the star of the subs. He looked comfortable. I don't think he gave the ball away and he made our equaliser. We are very pleased with him."

Hughes scored his first goal for the club in a 5–1 win against Watford on 1 September 2012.{{cite web| title =Derby 5–1 Watford| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19378170| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 1 September 2012 }} Hughes signed a new contract in October 2012, committing his future at the club until summer 2015.{{cite web| title =Hughes Pens New Rams Deal| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/hughes-commits-to-the-rams-434969.aspx| publisher = Derby County F.C. | date = 20 October 2012 }} Hughes scored his second goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat at Millwall on 10 November, scoring an equalising goal from 20 yards.{{cite web| title =Millwall 1–2 Derby| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20189961| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 10 November 2012 }} In November 2012, Hughes was linked with moves to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.{{cite news | title =Derby County teenager Will Hughes attracts Premier League interest ahead of possible England debut| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/9673363/Derby-County-teenager-Will-Hughes-attracts-Premier-League-interest-ahead-of-possible-England-debut.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/9673363/Derby-County-teenager-Will-Hughes-attracts-Premier-League-interest-ahead-of-possible-England-debut.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live| newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London | date = 12 November 2012 }}{{cbignore}} Nigel Clough denied the rumours,{{cite web| title =No bids for promising Ram| url =http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/no-bids-promising-ram-185755004.html| publisher =Yahoo! Eurosport| date =14 November 2012| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140106032138/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/no-bids-promising-ram-185755004.html| archive-date =6 January 2014}} however he said the interest in the player was inevitable and said many scouts had been at Derby matches to watch Hughes.{{cite web| title =Will Hughes: Derby manager says interest inevitable| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20330068| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 14 November 2012 }}

Hughes was named the Football League Young Player of the Month for November 2012, after a series of impressive performances.{{cite web | title = Hughes named Young Player of the Month | url = http://www.football-league.co.uk/championship/news/20121221/hughes-named-young-player-of-the-month_2293322_3015087 | publisher = The Football League | date = 21 December 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130319215632/http://www.football-league.co.uk/championship/news/20121221/hughes-named-young-player-of-the-month_2293322_3015087 | archive-date = 19 March 2013 }} On the eve of the 2013 January transfer window, it was reported in the Derby Telegraph that Hughes was being closely observed by 10 Premier League clubs with Fulham's manager Martin Jol saying of Hughes, "Believe me, there are probably 10 clubs in the Premier League having a look at him. He is one of these wonderful talents, so he is always on lists. If you have a good scouting system, he will always be on the list but we will see."{{cite web| title =Fulham boss Martin Jol one of 10 with eyes on Will Hughes| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Fulham-boss-Martin-Jol-10-eyes-Hughes/story-17691095-detail/story.html |newspaper=Derby Telegraph | date = 27 December 2012 }}

In February 2013, during a 0–0 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hughes picked up a groin injury and was replaced after 63 minutes. As a result of this injury, Hughes ended his ever-present run of Derby first-team appearances after 35 matches and ended a run of 37 consecutive appearances.{{cite web| title =Midfielder Will Hughes ruled out of Derby County's tough double header| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Midfielder-Hughes-ruled-Derby-County-s-tough/story-18265227-detail/story.html |newspaper=Derby Telegraph | date = 27 February 2013 }} With twelve matches remaining in the season and with Derby unlikely to fight for a play-off place and with Hughes being ruled out for the first two matches in March; Clough said he considered resting Hughes for the rest of season to reduce stress on his body.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}

In April 2013, Hughes signed a one-year extension to his contract after his 18th birthday, extending his stay until June 2016.{{cite web| title =Hughes Extends Derby Contract| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/hughes-extends-derby-contract-778500.aspx| publisher = Derby County F.C. | date = 18 April 2013 }} Hughes returned to first-team action before schedule on 20 April as an 85th-minute substitute in Derby's 3–1 against Peterborough United.{{cite web| title =Derby 3–1 Peterborough| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22133302| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 20 April 2013 }} At the end of the season, Hughes won the Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year award.{{cite web | title=Keogh Named Club Player of the Year| publisher=Derby County F.C. | url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/keogh-named-club-player-of-the-year-803602.aspx| date = 2 May 2013 }}

Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Hughes was expected to compete with Craig Bryson, Paul Coutts and Jeff Hendrick, with then-manager Nigel Clough stating that rotation could be utilised.{{cite news| url =http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Nigel-Clough-pondering-midfield-dilemma-Derby/story-19552961-detail/story.html| title =Nigel Clough still pondering midfield dilemma for Derby County| date =23 July 2013|newspaper=Derby Telegraph| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130726153408/http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Nigel-Clough-pondering-midfield-dilemma-Derby/story-19552961-detail/story.html| archive-date =26 July 2013}} Hughes scored his first goal of the season on 27 August in a 5–0 win against League One side Brentford in the League Cup.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23764109 "Derby 5–0 Brentford"]. BBC Sport. 27 August 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013. He scored his first league goal of the season in a 3–1 defeat at home to Reading on 21 September.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24089713 "Derby 1–3 Reading"]. BBC Sport. 21 September 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013. This was Hughes' last goal under Nigel Clough, who was sacked a week later following a 1–0 defeat at the hands of rivals Nottingham Forest in the East Midlands derby.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24320051 "Nigel Clough: Derby County sack manager after defeat at Forest"]. BBC Sport. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24185008 "Nott'm Forest 1–0 Derby"]. BBC Sport. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013. Clough was replaced by former England manager Steve McClaren,[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24331558"Steve McClaren named as Derby County head coach"Steve McClaren named as Derby County head coach"]. BBC Sport. 30 September 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013. and Hughes scored in his first match in charge of Derby; a 3–1 win against Leeds United.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24349291 "Derby County 3–1 Leeds"]. BBC Sport. 5 October 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013. On 1 July 2014, Hughes agreed a new four-year contract at Derby County, which would see his contract at the club extended until the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web|title=Will Hughes Signs A New Long-Term Contract at Derby County|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/will-hughes-signs-a-new-long-term-contract-at-derby-county-1709157.aspx|publisher=Derby County F.C.|access-date=1 July 2014}}

On 8 August 2015 in the season opener against Bolton, Hughes damaged his anterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee and was ruled out for six months.{{cite news|title = Derby midfielder out for six months with knee injury|url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33860485 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2015 |access-date=31 August 2015}} In April 2016, he rejoined the first-team squad at Derby after returning to full fitness.[http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-Rams-ace-Hughes-contention-team/story-29069389-detail/story.html] {{dead link|date=April 2016}}

Despite interest from Premier League giants Manchester United,{{cite web|url=https://www.footballtransferleague.co.uk/players/will_hughes|title=Will Hughes transfer rumours and news|publisher=Football Transfer League|access-date=25 January 2020}} Hughes remained at Derby for their 2016–17 Championship campaign, under new manager Nigel Pearson.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36401972 |title=Nigel Pearson: Derby County appoint former Leicester City boss as new manager |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2016 |access-date=25 January 2020}} The team's negative start at the start of the season saw Pearson sacked, with former manager Steve McClaren replacing him.{{cite news |title=Nigel Pearson: Derby County manager leaves by mutual consent |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37597454 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 October 2016 |access-date=25 January 2020}}{{cite news |title=Steve McClaren: Derby County reappoint former boss |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37630067 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 October 2016 |access-date=25 January 2020}} On 13 January 2017, Hughes signed a new contract with Derby, running until the summer of 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2017/01/will-hughes-commits-his-future-to-derby-county|title=Will Hughes commits his future to Derby County|publisher=Derby County F.C.|date=13 January 2017|access-date=25 January 2020}} McClaren was later replaced by Gary Rowett in March that year, with Derby going on to finish ninth in the Championship after an indifferent season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39255324 |title=Gary Rowett: Derby County appoint ex-Birmingham City boss as manager |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 March 2017 |access-date=25 January 2020}} Hughes' final appearance for Derby was a 1–1 draw at relegated Rotherham United, coming on as a substitute at half-time for Craig Bryson.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39760412|title=Rotherham United 1–1 Derby County|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 May 2017|access-date=25 January 2020}} Hughes has stated that he stagnated at the end of his Derby career, and believes he wasn't manager Gary Rowett's "cup of tea".

On 24 June 2017, Hughes joined Premier League club Watford on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £8 million.{{cite web |title = Official: Hughes Is A Hornet |url = https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/first-team/official-hughes-hornet |publisher=Watford F.C. |date=24 June 2017 |access-date=24 June 2017}} Hughes became newly appointed manager Marco Silva's first signing of the season.{{cite news|last1=Rouse|first1=Daniel|title=Marco Silva makes Will Hughes his 1st Watford buy for reported £8M|url=https://www.thescore.com/epl/news/1324042-marco-silva-makes-will-hughes-his-1st-watford-buy-for-reported-8m|access-date=4 July 2017|publisher=The Score|date=24 June 2017}} He made his Premier League debut on 28 October 2017, coming on as a substitute for André Carrillo in the 80th minute, during a 1–0 defeat against Stoke City at Vicarage Road.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41703862|title=Watford 0–1 Stoke City|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=30 August 2021|date=28 October 2017}} Hughes then scored his first goal for the Hornets on 19 November that year, scoring the opener in a 2–0 victory over West Ham United.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41958413|title=Watford 2–0 West Ham United|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=30 August 2021|date=19 November 2017}}

Hughes was part of a Watford side that reached the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium during the 2018–19 season,{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/watford-stage-classic-fa-cup-comeback-to-beat-wolves-in-semi-final-20190408-p51btx.html|title=Watford stage classic FA Cup comeback to beat Wolves in semi-final|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 April 2019|access-date=13 April 2019}} where they would be defeated 6–0 by domestic treble winners Manchester City in the final, Hughes having played all six matches during their FA Cup campaign.{{Cite web |date=18 May 2019 |title=Man City complete domestic treble with FA Cup win |url=https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/International/man-city-complete-domestic-treble-with-fa-cup-win-20190518 |access-date=18 May 2019 |website=Sport}} Despite their success, Watford were relegated to the Championship at the end of the following season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/18608578.watford-relegated-championship---went-wrong/|title=The key questions as Watford are relegated to the Sky Bet Championship|website=Watford Observer|date=26 July 2020 }} Hughes remained at Watford, playing a crucial role as Watford earned promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, finishing the Championship league campaign as runners-up.{{cite web|url=https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2021/04/24/watford-promoted-premier-league/|title=Watford promoted to Premier League|website=NBC Sports|date=24 April 2021|accessdate=26 April 2021}}

On 28 August 2021, Hughes signed a three-year deal with Premier League club, Crystal Palace.{{Cite web|title=Crystal Palace sign Will Hughes – News|date=28 August 2021 |url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/announcement/crystal-palace-sign-will-hughes/2021-08-28/|access-date=2021-08-28|publisher=Crystal Palace F.C.|language=en-GB}} He made his debut for the club on 30 November as an 82nd minute substitute for Jeffrey Schlupp in a 1–0 defeat away to Leeds United.{{Cite news|last1=McGrath|first1=Mike|last2=Bagchi|first2=Rob|date=2021-11-30|title=Raphinha on the spot with vital, late winner for Leeds after Christian Benteke's glaring miss|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/11/30/leeds-united-vs-crystal-palace-premier-league-live-score-latest/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/11/30/leeds-united-vs-crystal-palace-premier-league-live-score-latest/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-30|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}

On 20 March 2022, Hughes scored his first goal for Crystal Palace, scoring the 4th goal in a 4-0 victory over Everton in the 2021-22 FA cup quarter final.{{Cite news|title=Crystal Palace 4-0 Everton: Eagles fly past toffees to reach semi-finals|date=18 March 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60698109|access-date=2022-09-28|publisher=BBC Sport}}

On 28 May 2023, Hughes scored his first Premier League goal for Crystal Palace, scoring the equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Nottingham Forest in the last game of the 2022–23 season.{{Cite web|title=Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest|url=https://www.premierleague.com/match/75285|access-date=2023-09-28|publisher=Premier League}}

On 2 May 2024, Palace triggered an appearance clause in his original contract, confirming his stay at Selhurst Park until 2025.{{Cite web|title=Hughes triggers Palace contract extension|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c6pyv1kr4r1o|publisher=BBC Sport}}

On 15 April 2025, Hughes extended his deal with Palace until the summer of 2027.{{Cite web|title=Will Hughes signs new Crystal Palace contract

|url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/announcement/will-hughes-signs-new-crystal-palace-contract/|publisher=Crystal Palace}} The next day, he made his 100th league appearance for Palace in a 5–0 defeat to Newcastle.{{Cite web|title=Happy birthday, Will Hughes!|url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/club/happy-birthday-will-hughes/|publisher=Crystal Palace}} On 17 May, Hughes came on as a second-half substitute as Palace won the 2025 FA Cup final against Manchester City, the club's first ever major trophy.

On 17 January 2012, Hughes was called up to the England U17 for the first time for the Algarve Tournament in February 2012, he was joined by his teammate Mason Bennett.{{cite web| title =Bennett & Hughes Get England Call-Ups| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2579822,00.html| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =17 January 2012| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120125164720/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2579822,00.html| archive-date =25 January 2012}} Hughes appeared in all three match, as England won the three-match tournament with seven points.{{cite web| title =Bennett & Hughes Start in England U17 Win| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2601735,00.html| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =18 January 2012| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120209023731/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2601735,00.html| archive-date =9 February 2012}} Hughes scored a goal in the 2–2 draw against Netherlands U17 on 4 February 2012. Hughes was also called up the 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round in March 2012, however England failed to qualify for the main tournament, finishing third in their group on four points, with their exit confirmed in a 4–0 loss to Spain U17.{{cite web| title =Hughes & Bennett Feature in England Defeat| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2601735,00.html| publisher =Derby County F.C.| date =13 April 2012| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120209023731/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2601735,00.html| archive-date =9 February 2012}} In August 2012, Hughes was named as standby for the England U19 squad for a friendly against Germany U19 in September.{{cite web| title =Hughes on England Standby| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/hughes-on-england-standby-333641.aspx| publisher =Derby County F.C. | date = 25 August 2012 }} On 19 November 2013, Hughes scored his first goal for England U21 against San Marino U21.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}}

In November 2012, Hughes made his first appearance for the England U21 squad in a friendly against Northern Ireland U21 on 13 November.{{cite web| title =England U-21 ring changes for Northern Ireland friendly| url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20255047| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 8 November 2012 }} Hughes came on as a 65th-minute substitute for Josh McEachran, becoming the second youngest player to get capped for the U21s,{{cite web| title =Hughes Gains England Under 21 Honours| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/hughes-gains-england-under-21-honours-485320.aspx| publisher =Derby County F.C. | date = 13 November 2012 }} beaten only by Theo Walcott. Derby youth academy director Darren Wassall praised Hughes after his call-up to the England U21 side, saying "It's a great achievement to get in at 17 and we are all delighted for him. To make that rise into the Under-21s so soon is fantastic for him and everyone at the club."{{cite web| title =Derby's Will Hughes can "come alive" for England Under-21s| url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20272033| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 13 November 2012 }} Hughes called the experience "surreal".{{cite web| title =Will Hughes: England call surreal says Derby teenager| url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20340777| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 15 November 2012 }}

Hughes claimed eligibility to play for the Wales national team through Welsh paternal grandparents in 2019. However, earlier research by the Football Association of Wales in 2015 concluded that only his great-grandparents were Welsh and therefore Hughes was ineligible to represent Wales.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47950335 Hughes ineligible for Wales]

Hughes has been described as a "flair player" who uses through balls and mazy runs to create space for teammates and beat opposition defences in attacking positions.{{cite web| title =Derby's Will Hughes – the Championship's latest sensation| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20769208| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 21 December 2012 }} He has expressed a "love of a challenge, a 50–50".

Hughes said in a December 2012 interview for the BBC, that he bases his play on Barcelona and Spanish international central midfielders Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. Hughes states his strengths are his passing and technical ability and targeted improvements in pace and physical strength. Growing up a Liverpool fan, his favourite player was Steven Gerrard, admiring his ability both in the tackle and as a playmaker.

Hughes' former England U21 coach Stuart Pearce described Hughes as "technically a very sound player". "He rarely gave the ball away in training or in the game he played [against Northern Ireland], which is vitally important at international level. He's progressing really well."

{{updated|match played 25 May 2025}}

{{notelist}}

Watford

• FA Cup runner-up: 2018–19{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48236232 |title=Manchester City 6–0 Watford |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2019 |access-date=18 May 2019}}

Crystal Palace

• FA Cup: 2024–25{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cm23zrkn7ryt#Line-ups |title=Crystal Palace 1–0 Manchester City: Line-ups |website=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2025 |access-date=17 May 2025}}

Individual

• PFA Team of the Year: 2013–14 Championship{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27180793 |title=Luis Suarez: Liverpool striker wins PFA Player of the Year award |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=23 May 2018}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://www.cpfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/midfielder/will-hughes/ Profile] at the Crystal Palace F.C. website
• {{UEFA player}}

{{Crystal Palace F.C. squad}}

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{{2013–14 Football League Championship PFA Team of the Year}}

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Category:1995 births

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Weybridge

Category:Footballers from Surrey

Category:English men's footballers

Category:England men's youth international footballers

Category:England men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Derby County F.C. players

Category:Watford F.C. players

Category:English Football League players

Category:Premier League players

Category:People educated at Repton School

Category:English people of Welsh descent

Category:Crystal Palace F.C. players

Category:21st-century English sportsmen

Category:Footballers from Derby