England open their World Cup campaign today, with Iran the first opponents for Gareth Southgate’s men. Sadly for fans of the Three Lions, the only Leeds United players featuring today will be involved in the other clash in the group – involving USA and Wales.
Leeds have had eight players named in England World Cup squads down the years. So ahead of their curtain-raiser in Qatar, here is a look at the players who were included in those teams while playing for the Whites…
Jack Charlton – 1966, 1970
No player in Leeds’ history has made more appearances for the club than Jack Charlton. He only picked up 35 caps for England, but crucially, one of those came in the 1966 World Cup final.
Norman Hunter – 1966, 1970
Like Charlton, Norman Hunter was incredibly unlucky not to play for England more often. He was in the squads for both 1966 and 1970, but only played once across those two tournaments. No Leeds fan however, needs any reminding of his importance to the club’s golden era.
Terry Cooper – 1970
Terry Cooper was England’s first choice left-back in Mexico, starting every single game for the defending champions before they were ultimately knocked out by West Germany.
Allan Clarke – 1970
Allan Clarke’s record for club and country is outstanding. And yet, he only played 19 times for the Three Lions. His debut and first goal came during the 1970 World Cup.
Nigel Martyn – 1998, 2002
Nigel Martyn actually went to four tournaments with England, including two World Cups. Unfortunately, he never made more than five appearances in a calendar year for the Three Lions and spent most of his international career as understudy to David Seaman.
Danny Mills – 2002
Unlike the previous five names, Danny Mills is not exactly a fan favourite. He got his chance at the 2002 World Cup after Gary Neville missed the tournament through injury. Somehow, he received as many caps as Allan Clarke.
Rio Ferdinand – 2002
Speaking of players not remembered particularly fondly, Rio Ferdinand was also in the 2002 World Cup squad. Undoubtedly on his way to being a world-class defender, Ferdinand would leave shortly after the run to the quarter-final in Japan.
Robbie Fowler – 2002
Robbie Fowler made his final England appearance at the 2002 World Cup. Unfortunately, he remains the last current Leeds player to make his World Cup bow.
Hopefully that run ends in just under four years.
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