Edward Francis (footballer)

Edward Albert Francis (born 11 September 1999) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Exeter City.

Club career
Francis was born in Poynton and came through the academy system at Manchester City, joining them in the under-6 year-group. He captained the club's under-18 side in the final of the 2016–17 FA Youth Cup final against Chelsea, standing in for Joel Latibeaudiere, which City lost 6–2 on aggregate.

Having graduated from the academy in summer 2018, Francis joined Dutch Eerste Divisie side Almere City on loan for the 2018–19 season. During his time there he played predominantly for their development side, Jong Almere City, in the Tweede Divisie.

Francis was signed by Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2019 for an undisclosed fee. He signed a two-and-a-half-year with the option of a further year. On 18 February 2020, he was loaned out to Swiss club Grasshopper Club Zürich until the end of the season.

On 15 December 2020, Francis signed for EFL League Two side Harrogate Town.

On 20 July 2021, Francis joined National League side Notts County on a two-year deal.

Following Notts County's promotion to the Football League at the end of the 2022–23 season, Francis was released by the club. Having impressed the previous season on loan at Gateshead, he returned to the club on a permanent basis in June 2023, signing a two-year contract.

In January 2024 he was hospitalised after fracturing his skull during a match. Francis started for Gateshead in the 2024 FA Trophy final win against Solihull Moors at Wembley Stadium.

On 4 July 2024, Francis signed for League One side Exeter City for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year deal with the option to extend for a third.

International career
Francis was called up to represent the England C team in March 2024. On 19 March, he made his debut in the 1–0 defeat to the Wales C team at Stebonheath Park.

Honours
Harrogate Town
 * FA Trophy: 2019–20

Gateshead
 * FA Trophy: 2023–24