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Where England XI that faced Luka Modric at Wembley 17 YEARS ago is today – as Croatia star, 38, delays retirement


ENGLAND’S team has drastically changed over the last 17 years since their shock defeat to Luka Modric’s Croatia.

Steve McClaren’s Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008 after being beaten 3-2 at Wembley in 2007, which earned the boss the unwanted nickname “the wally with a brolly”.

Luka Modric was just 22 when he featured in the win at Wembley in 2007Credit: PA:Press Association
Modric is still turning out for his country and has now delayed plans to retireCredit: Getty
McClaren was dubbed ‘the wally with a brolly’ after England lost to CroatiaCredit: Getty
The result stopped England qualifying for Euro 2024Credit: Getty

The team found themselves 2-0 down after an error from Scott Carson and a goal from Ivica Olic.

Despite a fightback with goals from Frank Lampard and Peter Crouch, it was Mladen Petric’s goal that proved decisive.

The match also featured a 22-year-old Modric, who has gone on to become one of the best midfielders in football history.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star was expected to hang up his boots after Euro 2024 but has delayed his retirement.

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But while, Modric has remained ever-present in his national team, England’s players from that match have gone on to pastures new.

The result was made even worse as Michael Owen had claimed that none of the Croatian players would get into the England team.

Owen’s opinions sparked fury from Croatia boss Slaven Bilic, who called the comments “ridiculous”.

Modric is still starring for Real Madrid, but where is the England starting XI from the match today?

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Scott Carson – Goalkeeper

Despite his error in the game, Carson went on to forge a successful career in football.

The much-loved goalkeeper is currently Manchester City’s third-choice stopper and has become a cult hero for hardly playing during the club’s era of domination.

Micah Richards – Right-back

The defender retired from football in 2019 when he was just 31 years old.

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Scott Carson was at fault for one of the goals that nightCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Richards is now a popular pundit on multiple broadcasters such as Sky Sports and the BBC.

Sol Campbell – Centre-back

Sol Campbell finished his illustrious playing career in 2011 and, after eight years, went into club management.

He took charge of Macclesfield Town and Southend but has been unable to find another manager job since 2020.

Joleon Lescott – Centre-back

Joleon Lescott works as a punditCredit: Getty

The centre-back retired from playing in 2020 and has worked as a pundit for the BBC and Sky.

He has also spent time working in the England set-up as a coach.

Wayne Bridge – Left-back

Wayne Bridge has been raising awareness about mental healthCredit: Getty

Bridge finished playing football in 2014 after being released by Reading.

The 43-year-old has since taken a leading role in raising awareness about mental health.

Gareth Barry – Centre-midfielder

Gareth Barry came out of retirement to sign for HurstpierpointCredit: @hurstpierpoint1

Gareth Barry came out of retirement this summer to join non-league side Hurstpierpoint in Mid Sussex.

He still holds the record for most Premier League appearances with 653 overall.

Frank Lampard – Centre-midfielder

Frank Lampard has gone into managementCredit: AP:Associated Press

Lampard, like Campbell, has transitioned into management since retiring.

He has taken charge of Derby County, Chelsea and Everton but is currently without a club.

Steven Gerrard – Centre-midfielder

Steven Gerrard is the manager of Al-Ettifaq in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty

Steven Gerrard is the third and final member of the squad that has become a football manager.

After stints at Rangers and Aston Villa, the Liverpool legend is now the boss of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.

Shaun Wright-Phillips – Right-wing

Shaun Wright-Phillips retired in 2019Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Shaun Wright-Phillips finished his playing career at Phoenix Rising FC in the US in 2019.

He can now be spotted around the Etihad Stadium and Manchester City’s academy.

Joe Cole – Left-wing

Joe Cole works as a punditCredit: PA

Joe Cole is now a regular face on television as he works as a pundit.

The retired winger often appears for TNT Sports, covering European and Premier League matches.

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Peter Crouch – Striker

Peter Crouch scored in the game against CroatiaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Crouch has found great success since retiring with his Peter Crouch Podcast.

He also works as a pundit for TNT Sports and is often seen towering above Joe Cole on touchlines around Europe.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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