Daeshawns

Throughout the years, there have been many players that England has relied upon in their major football tournaments. Injuries have, from time to time, played a part in determining just who would become captain for the England team during these tournaments. Kevin Keegan comes to mind. He was originally Ron Greenwood’s first choice for captain for the 1982 World Cup competition but due to an injury, had to bow out. Mick Mills filled in as captain for Keegan, even though he had only played in three European Championship matches throughout his career.

In the World Cup tournaments for both 1986 and again in 1990, Bryan Robson was the choice for captain. However, his injury forced him out of the tournaments in the very early stages. Ray Wilkins, a Manchester United teammate, took over for Robson but drew a red card very shortly into his reign for not one but two cautionable offences. He then handed over the title to Peter Shilton. Wilkins was suspended for the two matches after that game and Shilton went on to be captain for England Players and led them to one of the most controversial World Cup games in all of football history.

Robson again had to bow out due to injury in the 1990 World Cup championship held in Italy. He played the first ninety minutes of the game and then strained his Achilles tended. That injury came in on top of the infection in a previously injured toe and took him out of the playing until after the first hour of the game against the Netherlands. So, England has had many players that would have been relied upon to help win the tournament, although injury often interferes. In the upcoming game in June 2010, Wayne Rooney is likely the one that fans and teammates alike will rely on to take England to the championship circle.