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”.
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.
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
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
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 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
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 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 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 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
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
