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Craig Dawson
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Craig Dawson
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Craig Dawson (born 6 May 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back.

Key Information

He has previously played for Radcliffe Borough, Bolton Wanderers, Rochdale, West Bromwich Albion, Watford, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Club career

[edit]

Radcliffe Borough

[edit]

Dawson started his career at youth club Heywood St James, before joining Rochdale St Clements. At the age of 16, whilst working as a glass collector in his local pub in Rochdale, Dawson was approached by Radcliffe Borough chairman Bernard Manning Jr, son of Bernard Manning, later making his debut for the club in a game against Salford City in the middle of the 2007–08 season. Following a loan spell at Flixton,[4][5][6][7] Dawson became a first-team regular after just a few games at Radcliffe. In the two seasons he was at the club he made 95 appearances and scored 15 goals.[8] In the season he left, he was voted the Player of the season by Radcliffe.[9] In 2017, Dawson was included in the Northern Premier League's Greatest 100 Players for the 50th Anniversary of the league, ranking in 14th overall.[10]

Rochdale

[edit]

In February 2009, Dawson signed for his local club Rochdale on a two-year contract for a fee of £12,000, despite a bid of £30,000 from Crewe Alexandra.[11][12] Although a Rochdale player, Dawson stayed at Radcliffe on loan until the end of the season.[9] Dawson made his debut for Rochdale reserves, scoring a header from a corner against Manchester City. Dawson was set to make his debut in the second half of the 2008–09 season; however, was set back by injury. Dawson finally got his Rochdale debut on 8 August 2009, starting in the League Two clash with Port Vale at Vale Park. The match ended in a 1–1 draw. Dawson's second game was at Hillsborough Stadium in the League Cup against Sheffield Wednesday. Despite conceding three goals, Rochdale fans gave Dawson rave reviews and named him the man of the match.

He scored 10 goals in all competitions during the 2009–10 season and won a place in the League Two PFA Team of the Year.

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

On 31 August 2010, Dawson signed for Premier League club West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. He made his competitive Baggies debut in a 4–1 League Cup win at AFC Bournemouth in August 2011 and the following day was called up into the England under-21's squad by Stuart Pearce, who watched him from the stands at the Dean Court on his debut. On 26 July 2011, Dawson was rewarded with a new-and-improved Albion contract. On 21 February 2012, the centre-half penned a three-and-a-half-year deal to June 2015, plus a further year's option in the club's favour.[13] Dawson made his first Premier League start on 17 September 2011, away from home against Swansea City as a fill-in central defender for the suspended Gabriel Tamaş in a disappointing 3–0 defeat. He re-appeared in the starting eleven for the game against Manchester City in which West Brom went on to lose 4–0. Again, Dawson appeared in the next league game against Queens Park Rangers, West Brom went on to win the game 1–0. On 28 September 2014, Dawson scored his first Premier League goal for West Brom in a 4–0 home win against Burnley. He scored his next goal of the season in a 1–2 loss to West Ham United on 2 December 2014.[14]

After the arrival of new Albion manager Tony Pulis at the start of 2015, Dawson became a regular feature in the starting lineup. While not chipping in with any more goals that season, Dawson played his part in the team achieving survival.[15] During the 2015–16 season, Dawson was again a regular starter. His first goal of the season came in a 2–3 loss to Everton on 28 September 2015.[16] His next goal came in a 2–2 draw away at Liverpool on 13 December 2015.[17] On 18 February 2016, he signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until the summer of 2018.[18] Two weeks after signing his contract extension he scored a goal in a 3–2 home win against Crystal Palace. He was also involved in the winning goal for Saido Berahino.[19] On 25 April 2016, he became the fourth Premier League player of the season to score an own goal and a goal in the same match in a 1–1 draw away to Tottenham.[20]

On 18 March 2017, he scored two headers from corners, as West Brom defeated Arsenal 3–1 in the Premier League, being named man of the match in the process.[21] Dawson made 28 league appearances for West Brom in the 2017–18 season as they were relegated from the Premier League. He subsequently handed in a transfer request and refused to travel to Portugal for the club's training camp.[22]

Loan to Rochdale

[edit]

Immediately after signing for West Brom, he was loaned back to Rochdale for the remainder of the 2010–11 season.[13]

Loan to Bolton Wanderers

[edit]
Dawson playing for Bolton Wanderers in 2013

On 23 January 2013, despite interest from Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest, Championship club Bolton Wanderers won the race to sign Dawson on loan for the rest of the season. On 23 February, Dawson scored twice in a 4–1 win against Hull City.[23] Just three days later on 26 February, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 home win against Peterborough United.[24] He scored for the third successive match on 2 March, scoring the winning goal in a 3–2 win against Barnsley.[25]

Watford

[edit]

On 1 July 2019, Dawson signed for Premier League club Watford for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract.[26]

Dawson scored his first goal for the club on 20 June 2020, An overhead kick against Leicester City.[27] Dawson made 29 appearances for Watford in the 2019–20 season as they were relegated to the Championship. At the start of the 2020–21 season, and the appointment of a new manager, Vladimir Ivić, his selection for the team became less likely following the signings of Francisco Sierralta and William Troost-Ekong.[28]

West Ham United

[edit]

On 12 October 2020, Dawson signed for West Ham on loan for the remainder of the 2020–21 season. The club retained an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the loan.[29] Dawson did not make his West Ham debut until 29 December 2020; being named as Man of the Match for his performance in a 0–0 draw away to Southampton.[30] On 11 January 2021, he scored his first goal for West Ham, against Stockport County, in the third round of the FA Cup as West Ham won 1–0. It was his first FA Cup goal for over 10 years since scoring for Rochdale against FC United of Manchester in November 2010.[31] On 26 January 2021, he scored his first Premier League goal for West Ham, in a 3–2 away win against Crystal Palace.[32]

On 6 April 2021, it was announced that Dawson would join West Ham United permanently at the end of the 2020–21 season on a two-year contract.[33]

Following a long-term injury in November 2021 to regular centre-back, Angelo Ogbonna, Dawson was drafted in as a regular replacement.[34] He scored his first Premier League goal of the 2021–22 season; a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2–2 draw away at Leicester City on 13 February 2022.[35] Six days later, Dawson scored his fiftieth goal in professional football as he headed in the opener at home to Newcastle United.[36] Dawson earned particular praise for his performances in West Ham's Europa League campaign. In a quarter-final game on 14 April against Lyon he scored the first goal in a 3–0 win in France and made more blocks than any other player despite taking blows to the face. His performances gained him cult status with the West Ham fans who dubbed him "Ballon D'awson".[37][38] By April 2022, following further injuries to centre-backs Kurt Zouma and Issa Diop, Dawson was the only available recognised centre-back at the club.[39] After his sending-off in an away game at Chelsea on 24 April, West Ham were left without any regular centre-backs for the following match.[40] Following West Ham's Europa League campaign, in which they were knocked out in the semi-final, Dawson was named in the Europa League Team of the Season, alongside teammate Declan Rice.[41]

Despite leaving the club in January 2023, Dawson received a winner's medal after West Ham won the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final in Prague in June 2023.[42]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

[edit]

On 22 January 2023, Wolverhampton Wanderers announced the signing of Dawson on a two-and-a-half-year deal.[43] On 4 February 2023, Dawson scored his first goal for Wolves on his debut appearance for the club in a 3–0 home win against Liverpool in the Premier League.[44]

When Wolves became the first team in the 2023–24 Premier League to beat reigning Champions Manchester City on 30 September 2023, Dawson was singled out for particular praise by commentators, having marked Erling Haaland out of the game to the extent the latter only had fifteen touches during the game.[45]

Dawson scored his second Wolves goal in the final game of 2023, a 3–0 win against Everton at Molineux in the Premier League on 30 December.[46]

On 4 December 2024, Dawson scored two own goals in a 4–0 loss to Everton, becoming the fifth player in Premier League history to score two own goals in the same match.[47][48]

Dawson fell out of favour under new manager Vítor Pereira and was left out of Wolves' squad of registered players after failing to secure a transfer away from the club in the January transfer window.[49] Subsequently, he no longer trained with the club's first team and entered talks to terminate his contract.[50] However, this never occurred and on 6 June 2025, Wolves announced Dawson would depart the club following the expiry of his contract.[51]

International career

[edit]

England Under-21s

[edit]

Dawson scored two goals on his England under-21 debut against Azerbaijan on 1 September 2011.[52] He played 15 matches for England U21s, scoring six goals.

Great Britain Olympic team

[edit]

On 2 July 2012, Dawson was selected by Stuart Pearce for the 2012 Great Britain Olympic football team.[53] He featured in the 1–0 victory over Uruguay as a last minute substitution for goalscorer Daniel Sturridge.[54] He also featured in the Olympic quarter-final against South Korea, coming on as a substitute for an injured Micah Richards, and scoring in the penalty shoot-out.[55]

Personal life

[edit]

Prior to becoming a professional footballer, Dawson played for Rochdale Cricket Club as a batsman, having trials with Lancashire County Cricket Club.[56]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 29 December 2024[57]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Rochdale 2009–10[58] League Two 42 9 2 1 1 0 1[a] 1 46 11
2010–11[59] League One 45 10 1 1 2 0 0 0 48 11
Total 87 19 3 2 3 0 1 1 94 22
West Bromwich Albion 2011–12[60] Premier League 8 0 2 0 2 0 — 12 0
2012–13[61] Premier League 1 0 1 0 2 0 — 4 0
2013–14[62] Premier League 12 0 1 0 2 0 — 15 0
2014–15[63] Premier League 29 2 4 0 2 0 — 35 2
2015–16[64] Premier League 38 4 3 0 2 0 — 43 4
2016–17[65] Premier League 37 4 1 0 1 0 — 39 4
2017–18[66] Premier League 28 2 2 0 2 0 — 32 2
2018–19[67] Championship 41 2 1 0 1 0 2[b] 1 45 3
Total 194 14 15 0 14 0 2 1 225 15
Bolton Wanderers (loan) 2012–13[61] Championship 16 4 — — — 16 4
Watford 2019–20[68] Premier League 29 2 1 0 0 0 — 30 2
2020–21[69] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 1 0
Total 29 2 1 0 1 0 — 31 2
West Ham United (loan) 2020–21[69] Premier League 22 3 2 1 — — 24 4
West Ham United 2021–22[70] Premier League 34 2 3 0 3 0 10[c] 2 50 4
2022–23[71] Premier League 8 0 1 0 0 0 4[d] 1 13 1
Total 64 5 6 1 3 0 14 3 87 9
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2022–23[71] Premier League 17 1 — — — 17 1
2023–24[72] Premier League 25 1 3 0 0 0 — 28 1
2024–25[73] Premier League 15 0 0 0 1 0 — 16 0
Total 57 2 3 0 1 0 — 61 2
Career total 446 46 28 3 21 0 17 5 512 54
  1. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  3. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League

Honours

[edit]

Radcliffe Borough

Rochdale

West Ham United

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Craig Dawson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Craig Dawson (born 6 May 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back and is currently a following the end of his contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2025. Standing at 1.88 metres (6 ft 2 in) tall, Dawson is known for his aerial prowess and defensive solidity, having amassed over 500 senior appearances across English football's top tiers. His career exemplifies perseverance, rising from non-league obscurity to competing in major European competitions, including winning the UEFA Europa Conference League with United in 2023. Dawson began his professional journey at non-league side Radcliffe Borough in 2007 before signing a two-year contract with in February 2009. During his time at , he made 94 appearances and scored 22 goals over two seasons, contributing to their promotion from League Two in 2010 and earning a spot in the PFA League Two Team of the Year for 2009–10. In August 2010, he joined West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee but was loaned back to for the 2010–11 season, where he made his Football League debut. Establishing himself at West Brom from 2011 to 2019, Dawson featured in 225 matches and scored 15 goals, experiencing both Premier League relegation and promotion during his tenure, including a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers in 2012–13 where he played 16 games and scored four times. He moved to Watford on a free transfer in 2019, appearing in 24 league matches, before joining West Ham United on loan in October 2020, which became permanent in January 2021. At West Ham, he made 87 appearances and scored 9 goals, contributing to their group stage performance in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League and receiving a winner's medal after their victory against Fiorentina despite having transferred away in January 2023. In January 2023, Dawson transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee, where he recorded 61 appearances and two goals before departing as a free agent in summer 2025. On the international stage, Dawson represented at under-19, under-20, and under-21 levels, earning eight caps for the U21 side, and was selected for the at the 2012 Games, where he made three appearances.

Early life

Upbringing in

Craig Dawson was born on 6 May 1990 in , , . He grew up in the Spotland area of the town, a historic working-class community in renowned for its 19th-century textile mills and as the origin of the global cooperative movement. Dawson hails from a modest background, where family support was central to his early years; his father, Ken Dawson, provided guidance during his formative period. This environment in , coupled with early life challenges, fostered his grounded and resilient personality, as he has reflected on how youthful setbacks instilled lasting . By his early teens, Dawson began engaging with local youth football setups, marking the start of his organized sporting involvement.

Early sporting pursuits

During his youth in , Craig Dawson demonstrated considerable talent in , playing as a batsman for Rochdale Cricket Club in the Central Lancashire League during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. He impressed enough to earn trials with , highlighting his potential in the sport before ultimately prioritizing football. Dawson also engaged in early football pursuits through local youth teams, including Heywood St James and St Clements, where he played alongside friends in informal and semi-competitive settings. Around the age of 16, limited opportunities in structured development led to his release from 's youth setup, prompting a shift to ; he joined Radcliffe Borough, his hometown club, to continue playing competitively. To support himself while balancing non-league matches, Dawson took a part-time job as a glass collector at The Dog & Partridge pub in , a role that underscored his determination amid financial challenges. Complementing this resilience was his early adoption of a teetotal lifestyle, avoiding social drinking and nights out to maintain focus and discipline in his athletic endeavors.

Club career

Radcliffe Borough and Rochdale breakthrough

After being released from 's youth setup, Dawson signed for hometown non-league club Radcliffe Borough in the in 2007, where he played as a centre-back while working part-time shifts as a glass collector at The Dog & Partridge pub in to make ends meet. During his time at Radcliffe, he helped the team win the Manchester Premier Cup in 2008 and featured regularly in the seventh tier, gaining attention from professional clubs through strong performances in friendlies and league matches. In February 2009, Dawson joined League Two side —his local professional club—on a two-year for an undisclosed , initially remaining on loan at Radcliffe until the end of the 2008–09 season. He turned fully professional ahead of the 2009–10 campaign, making his debut in a 2–0 win over Port Vale in August 2009. Dawson's breakthrough came during the 2009–10 League Two season, where he established himself as a key defender and threat from set pieces, making 46 appearances across all competitions and scoring 10 —including 9 in the league—to help secure automatic promotion by finishing third with 82 points. His commanding presence at the back and aerial prowess were instrumental in the team's defensive solidity and promotion push, earning him the Football League Two Player of the Year award at the 2010 Football League Awards. Additionally, he was selected for the PFA League Two Team of the Year, recognizing his outstanding individual impact as a 19-year-old newcomer to professional football. These achievements attracted interest from higher divisions, leading to his transfer to side West Bromwich Albion in August 2010 for an undisclosed fee, with an agreement to return to on for the following season.

West Bromwich Albion

Dawson joined West Bromwich Albion on 31 August 2010, signing a three-year contract from for an undisclosed fee reported as £500,000. As part of the transfer agreement, he was immediately loaned back to for the entire 2010–11 season to maintain regular playing time in League One. He returned to West Brom ahead of the campaign and was gradually integrated into the first team under manager . Dawson made his debut on 17 September 2011 as a substitute in a 3–0 defeat to Swansea City. Over the course of that season, he featured in 8 league matches, helping solidify the defense during a successful campaign that saw West Brom finish 11th and comfortably avoid relegation. From the 2012–13 season onward, Dawson established himself as a key squad member, accumulating over 100 appearances across the next four years in all competitions. Renowned for his physical presence and proficiency in scoring from set pieces, he netted 4 goals in the season, including a vital equalizer in a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur that contributed to another mid-table finish (13th place) and survival. However, his progress was hampered by injuries and increased competition for defensive places, particularly in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons when he made fewer than 10 league starts combined. Despite these setbacks, Dawson's versatility as a center-back and occasional right-back proved valuable in maintaining West Brom's top-flight status through consistent squad contributions until their relegation in 2017–18.

Loan spells at and Bolton Wanderers

In August 2010, shortly after signing a three-year contract with West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee, Craig Dawson was loaned back to his former club for the 2010–11 season to continue his development in League One. During the loan, he made 41 appearances and scored 10 goals, contributing significantly to 's defensive solidity and their 18th-place finish, which ensured survival in the division by a seven-point margin over the relegation zone. His performances highlighted a regain of form from his earlier permanent spell at the club, where he had established himself as a goal-scoring centre-back from set pieces. Nearly three years later, in January 2013, Dawson joined Wanderers on loan until the end of the 2012–13 season, seeking regular first-team football amid limited opportunities at West Brom due to persistent injuries and strong squad depth in central defence from players like Jonas Olsson and . The move provided exposure to a higher level of competition in the second tier, where were pushing for the play-offs. Dawson featured in 16 league matches, scoring 4 goals, including the winner in a 1–0 victory over United on 26 February. His debut came three days earlier in a 2–1 home win against , where he impressed with his aerial presence despite missing a headed chance early on. These loan spells were pivotal for Dawson's career progression, allowing him to rebuild match fitness and demonstrate versatility across leagues while addressing the challenges of inconsistent playing time at West Brom, where injuries had restricted him to just 15 league appearances in the first half of the 2012–13 season.

Watford

Craig Dawson joined on 1 July 2019, signing a four-year from West Bromwich Albion for a reported £5.5 million fee, becoming the club's first summer signing ahead of the season. The centre-back quickly established himself as a key figure in the defence, bringing experience and aerial prowess to a backline that struggled for consistency. Over his time at , Dawson made 31 appearances across all competitions, contributing to Watford's efforts amid their precarious position in the top flight. In the 2019–20 season, Dawson featured in 29 matches, starting 26 and playing 2,361 minutes, as he formed a solid partnership in central defence that helped battle relegation until the final day. His defensive solidity was evident in key metrics, including 8 blocked shots and contributions to 4 clean sheets, though the team ultimately finished 19th and were relegated to the . Dawson scored twice that season, netting a header in a 2–1 victory over Norwich City on 7 July 2020 to open the scoring early, and delivering a dramatic stoppage-time overhead kick equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Leicester City on 20 June 2020, a moment that briefly boosted survival hopes. Following relegation, Dawson's role diminished as he was loaned to West Ham United in October 2020, a move that became permanent for £2 million at the end of the 2020–21 season after triggering an option in his contract. This departure coincided with 's status as a , having oscillated between the and in recent years, though Dawson did not feature in their subsequent promotion campaign.

West Ham United

On 12 October 2020, Craig Dawson joined United on a season-long loan from , providing defensive depth during a challenging period for the club. The move was made permanent in April 2021 on a two-year contract, effective at the end of the 2020–21 season, allowing Dawson to establish himself as a key centre-back. Over his time at , spanning two full seasons before his departure, Dawson made 87 appearances across all competitions and scored 9 goals. In the specifically, he featured in 64 matches and netted 5 times, contributing to a solid defensive unit that helped the team qualify for European competition. During the 2020–21 season, Dawson played a pivotal role in West Ham's resurgence under manager , appearing in 22 games and scoring 3 goals as the team secured a sixth-place finish with 65 points, earning qualification for the . His aerial presence and set-piece threat were instrumental, including goals against , , and Tottenham Hotspur that highlighted his impact from defence. Dawson's integration helped stabilize the backline amid injuries, contributing to 13 clean sheets across competitions and marking a significant improvement from West Ham's 16th-place finish the previous season. In the 2021–22 campaign, Dawson elevated his performances further, starting 34 matches and adding 2 goals while helping to a seventh-place league finish and a semi-final run in the . His defensive contributions were standout, averaging 0.9 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, and 4.1 clearances per game in the , which underpinned 16 clean sheets in all competitions. For his efforts in Europe, where he started 10 matches and scored twice, Dawson was selected for the 2021–22 Team of the Season alongside teammate . The 2022–23 season proved more challenging for Dawson due to a injury that sidelined him for 35 days and limited him to just 10 appearances across all competitions. He departed the club in January 2023 for Wolverhampton Wanderers. went on to win the UEFA Europa Conference League that season, but Dawson had left before the knockout stages began. In January 2023, Dawson transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers for £3.3 million, a move facilitated by the club to accommodate his personal circumstances related to family needs in the .

Wolverhampton Wanderers

In January 2023, Wolverhampton Wanderers signed defender Craig Dawson from West Ham United on a two-and-a-half-year contract for a reported fee of £3.3 million, bolstering the squad's defensive options amid a challenging season. The move allowed Dawson to return to the Midlands, closer to his family in the Rochdale area, providing personal benefits alongside professional opportunities. Dawson made an immediate impact in the 2022–23 Premier League season, debuting with a goal in a 3–0 home victory over on 4 February 2023 and featuring in 17 league matches overall, contributing to Wolves' improved form under manager . His experience helped stabilize the defense during a period of relegation pressure, as Wolves secured a 13th-place finish with 41 points, eight more than in the first half of the campaign. Over the subsequent seasons, Dawson transitioned into a rotational role within the squad. In 2023–24, under head coach , he made 25 Premier League appearances and scored once, providing reliable depth in central defense as Wolves again finished 13th. The 2024–25 season saw him feature in 15 league games under Vitor Pereira before his involvement diminished later in the campaign, reflecting the team's evolving defensive setup. Dawson's contract expired in June 2025, leading to his release as a after 61 appearances and two goals for Wolves across all competitions. This stint contributed to his overall career tally of 21 goals.

2025–present

Following the expiration of his contract, Craig Dawson departed Wanderers on 30 June 2025, becoming a after making 61 appearances and scoring two goals for the club. As of November 2025, Dawson, aged 35, has not signed with any club and remains available on the open market. In September 2025, EFL sides Derby County, Preston North End, and Blackburn Rovers expressed interest in acquiring the experienced defender on a free transfer, drawn to his pedigree and leadership qualities. Throughout his professional career, Dawson has amassed 522 appearances and 55 goals across all competitions for clubs including , West Bromwich Albion, , West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, alongside his international outings with England U21 and the Great Britain Olympic team.

International career

England U21

Dawson received his first call-up to the England under-21 squad in August 2011, during his loan spell at from West Bromwich Albion. He made an immediate impact on his debut on 1 September 2011, scoring twice in a 6–0 qualifying victory over at , including a header from a corner and a second goal to contribute to the rout. Dawson went on to earn 15 caps for the U21s between 2011 and 2013, during which he scored six goals, often playing as a centre-back with an eye for set-piece contributions. His goals included a header in a 2–1 win against on 11 2011 and a penalty in the 1–0 play-off first-leg victory over on 12 October 2012, helping secure qualification for the finals in . In the 2013 finals, Dawson featured in all three of England's group stage matches, starting in the 0–1 loss to on 5 June, the 1–3 defeat to on 8 June, and the 0–1 loss to on 11 June, as the team exited without advancing. These appearances marked the extent of his involvement in major tournaments at under-21 level, after which his international focus shifted to the Great Britain Olympic team for the 2012 London Games.

Great Britain Olympic team

In July 2012, Craig Dawson was named in Stuart Pearce's 18-man squad for the men's football team at the London Olympics, comprising players from , , , and . His inclusion followed impressive displays with the England U21 side, where he had established himself as a reliable centre-back. At 22 years old, Dawson provided defensive depth to a squad blending youth and experience, managed by Pearce, who had previously coached him at U21 level. Dawson featured in three of Great Britain's matches during the tournament. He started the Group A fixtures against the on 29 July (3–1 victory at ) and on 1 August (1–0 win at ), helping the team secure top spot in the group with seven points. In the quarter-final against on 4 August at , , Dawson entered as a second-half substitute for , contributing to a 1–1 draw that led to a penalty shoot-out; he successfully converted Great Britain's third penalty, though the team ultimately lost 5–4 and exited the competition. Despite the quarter-final elimination, Dawson's performances as a centre-back were commended for their solidity in a youthful defence that conceded just three goals across the tournament. The Olympics marked his final international appearance, as he has not received a senior cap for .

England youth teams (U19 and U20)

Dawson represented England at under-19 and under-20 levels earlier in his career, earning caps prior to his U21 breakthrough, though specific match details are limited in available records.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Craig Dawson is married to Sinead, with whom he has maintained a family base in the area of . The couple's first child, a , was born around 2016. Dawson and Sinead have since welcomed additional children, and he has often been portrayed as a dedicated man, prioritizing time with his amid his professional commitments. Family considerations have notably influenced Dawson's career decisions, particularly regarding club transfers. During his time at West Ham United in , the distance from his family's home in the north west proved challenging, leading to lengthy commutes. In January 2023, this prompted his move to , allowing him to relocate closer to and spend more quality time with his wife and children. Dawson and his family have shared family-oriented vacations, such as a 2017 trip to with Sinead and their baby daughter, during which they covered 23 miles sightseeing across the city's landmarks over 48 hours.

Interests outside football

Dawson has adhered to a teetotal since his teenage years, abstaining from alcohol despite working as a glass collector at The Dog & Partridge pub in , where he often stayed until late after matches. This disciplined approach extended into his professional career, as he rarely joined teammates for social outings or post-training drinks, prioritizing fitness and recovery instead. His commitment to physical well-being is evident in his regular use of a machine for core strength and flexibility training, a noted by former teammates as part of his frugal yet dedicated routine, which includes personally maintaining his car rather than tasks. Dawson maintains a notably low-profile , avoiding the media spotlight and focusing on private family time away from football demands. In terms of community involvement, Dawson supported Rochdale AFC's "Brandon's Beard" charity initiative in 2013 by growing a beard to help raise funds for a vibrating bed to aid Brandon Beech, the young son of the club's assistant manager, in managing cystic fibrosis symptoms. He publicly encouraged sponsorship through the club shop, expressing hope that the effort would meet its fundraising goal.

Statistics and honours

Club statistics

Craig Dawson's club career statistics are summarized below, showing totals across major competitions as of November 2025. These figures include appearances (apps), goals, and assists where applicable.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
303215
5764
League One45100
League Two4290
2835
2201
Europa League1020
UEFA Conference League410
Other (play-offs, etc.)1130
Total5225515
Dawson's appearances in the 2024–25 season with Wolverhampton Wanderers were limited to 15 matches in the , with no goals or assists, primarily due to injuries including a (33 days missed), calf strain (11 days), and periods of illness.

International statistics

TeamPeriodAppearancesGoals
U212011–2013156
Olympic201230
Total186
These international figures reflect Dawson's youth-level contributions, with no senior caps.

Honours

Craig Dawson has earned several individual accolades throughout his , recognizing his defensive prowess and contributions to key campaigns. In the 2009–10 season with , he was named to the PFA League Two Team of the Year, selected by fellow professional players for his standout performances that included 11 goals from defense and helped secure promotion to League One. That same year, Dawson received the Football League Two Player of the Year award at the annual Football League Awards, honoring his exceptional impact as a 19-year-old in only his second professional season. In 2017, he was ranked 14th in the Northern Premier League's Greatest 100 Players list for his time at Radcliffe Borough. More than a decade later, during the , Dawson was included in the official Team of the Season, acknowledged for his role in United's run to the semi-finals, where he blocked 15 shots—the highest among his teammates—and contributed to a robust defensive record. On the team front, Dawson's most notable collective honor came as part of United's 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League-winning squad, despite departing the club in January 2023; rules entitled him to a winner's medal for his earlier contributions, including appearances in the group stage. He played a pivotal role in 's sixth-place finish in the , which secured qualification for the subsequent Europa League, starting 22 matches and bolstering the backline during a transformative second half of the season under manager . Dawson has not won major domestic trophies such as the or .

References

  1. https://www.premierleague.com/players/60232/Craig-Dawson/overview
  2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c20g2jy1160o
  3. https://fbref.com/en/players/3e9e06cb/Craig-Dawson
  4. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64344350
  5. https://www.whufc.com/news/long-read-craig-dawson
  6. https://www.kumb.com/squad.php?id=Craig%20Dawson
  7. https://www.transfermarkt.us/craig-dawson/profil/spieler/121477
  8. https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2020/october/12-october/craig-dawson-career-pictures
  9. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2017/may/craig-dawson-qa
  10. https://www.britannica.com/place/Rochdale-England
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2364665/2021/02/13/craig-dawson-from-non-league-to-the-top-flight-via-the-dog-partridge-pub/
  12. https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2020/october/12-october/craig-dawson-west-ham-obviously-massive-club
  13. https://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Players/194/194875/194875.html
  14. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12815341/Craig-Dawson-Wolves-Premier-League-Erling-Haaland.html
  15. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/18787479
  16. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2014/october/manning-called-time-on-dawson-pub-career
  17. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/7906385.stm
  18. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11719/6444689/dale-defender-stays-grounded
  19. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/8569057.stm
  20. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/8958563.stm
  21. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/31/football-transfer-rumours-emmanuel-adebayor-tottenham
  22. https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/8958563.stm
  23. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/west-bromwich-albion/craig-dawson-11721/league-appearances_a29217/
  24. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/craig-dawson-stats-with-west-brom
  25. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36069306
  26. https://www.transfermarkt.us/craig-dawson/leistungsdaten/spieler/121477
  27. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21195095
  28. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21502129
  29. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21311369
  30. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11686/11752671/watford-sign-lb5-5m-west-brom-defender-craig-dawson
  31. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/craig-dawson-stats-with-watford
  32. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/541511/norwich-city-watford
  33. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/dawsons-overhead-kick-earns-vital-point-for-watford-idUSKBN23R0KQ/
  34. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/12267673/craig-dawson-to-join-west-ham-permanently-on-two-year-deal-from-watford-at-end-of-season
  35. https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2020/october/12-october/west-ham-united-add-experienced-defender-craig-dawson
  36. https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2021/april/06-april/craig-dawson-join-west-ham-united-permanent-basis
  37. https://www.whufc.com/news/craig-dawson-departs
  38. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/craig-dawson-stats-with-west-ham
  39. https://fbref.com/en/squads/7c21e445/2020-2021/West-Ham-United-Stats
  40. https://www.whufc.com/news/looking-back-craig-dawsons-202122-season
  41. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0275-15302e8596b2-af02e3bfb7db-1000--2021-22-uefa-europa-league-team-of-the-season/
  42. https://www.transfermarkt.us/craig-dawson/verletzungen/spieler/121477
  43. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64364516
  44. https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/west-ham-defender-craig-dawson-to-join-wolves-imminently-after-fee-agreed-claims-reporter/
  45. https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cw5q2kdkvl0o
  46. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12792620/craig-dawson-wolves-complete-signing-of-defender-from-west-ham
  47. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4121190/2023/01/25/craig-dawson-wolves-transfer/
  48. https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/wolves/feature/wolves-2022-23-season-review-star-player-best-moment-standout-result_515200.html
  49. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4271737/2023/03/04/craig-dawson-wolves/
  50. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/craig-dawson-premier-league-appearances
  51. https://www.fotmob.com/players/169162/craig-dawson
  52. https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/20250606-wolves-confirm-2025-retained-list/
  53. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cp3qxyplxq1o
  54. https://www.si.com/soccer/best-free-agents-sign-football-manager-26
  55. https://www.sportsboom.co.uk/football/transfer-news/exclusive-derby-and-preston-chasing-former-wolves-defender-craig-dawson
  56. https://insidefutbol.com/2025/09/03/championship-club-try-for-star-who-knocked-back-birmingham-city-on-deadline-day/693965/
  57. https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/mens-first-team/20230121-dawson-s-journey-to-wolves/
  58. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/14656731
  59. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/sep/02/england-azerbaijan-euro-2013-qualifier
  60. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/craig-dawson/england-u21/
  61. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19912929
  62. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22760142
  63. https://www.uefa.com/under21/history/seasons/2013/matches/
  64. https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2012/07/02/craig-dawson-poised-to-win-gb-olympic-call/
  65. https://www.olympedia.org/results/312000
  66. http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamGB/Matches/2012Korea.html
  67. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2012/august/dawson-thriving-off-olympics
  68. https://greenstreethammers.com/2022/09/02/craig-dawson-west-ham-transfer/
  69. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4332686/Craig-Dawson-downing-Arsenal-eyeing-England-call.html
  70. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11663261/Wolves-confirm-signing-Craig-Dawson-West-Ham-3-3m.html
  71. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-bromwich-albion/10730589/After-a-game-Id-work-at-the-pub-until-1am-says-West-Bromwich-Albion-defender-Craig-Dawson.html
  72. https://rochdaleafc.co.uk/ex-players-add-their-support/
  73. https://www.xgstat.com/competitions/premier-league/2023-2024/players/craig-dawson/history/career
  74. https://www.teamgb.com/athlete/craig-dawson/101ynI6pZR02k9v8e5vAUB
  75. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8568533.stm
  76. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12166669/Wolves-Craig-Dawson-receive-Conference-League-medal-mail-West-Ham-win-Prague.html
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