Tom Atcheson

Tom Joseph Atcheson (born 22 September 2006) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for EFL Championship club Blackburn Rovers and the Northern Ireland national team.

Club career Atcheson was born in Blackpool, England and attended Rossall School in nearby Fleetwood. He joined Blackburn Rovers at under-12 level. On 29 February 2023, he signed his first professional contract with Blackburn until 2026.

He spent time on loan at Marine during the 2024–25 season. In November 2024, he signed a new four-year contract with Blackburn.

On 20 December 2025, he debuted in the EFL Championship with Blackburn in a 2–0 win over Millwall.

International career A Northern Ireland youth international, qualifying through his grandparents, he featured for Northern Ireland U19 at the European U19 Championships in 2024.

Atcheson earned his first senior call-up to the Northern Ireland national team as an injury replacement for Daniel Ballard, with his Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O'Neill selecting him ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off against Italy. He made his senior debut on 31 March 2026 as an 80th minute substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw with Wales at Cardiff City Stadium.

Atcheson made his full debut in a friendly match against Guinea on 4 June 2026, scoring his first senior goal of the match to secure a 1–0 victory. He was later sent off in the second half after receiving a straight red card.

Career statistics Club

International

+ List of international goals scored by Tom AtchesonNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 4 June 2026 Estadio Municipal de La Línea de la Concepción, La Línea de la Concepción, Spain 1–0 1–0 Friendly