Introduction
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has become the latest England international to join the ranks of Serie A, signing with Italian giants AC Milan on a four-year deal. Since 1990, 16 players have featured in Italy’s top flight and made at least one appearance for the Three Lions. Can you name them? Read on to find out who they are and test your knowledge.
England Internationals to Have Played in Serie A
1. David Beckham
David Beckham is arguably the most famous Englishman to have played in Serie A. He joined Milan from LA Galaxy in 2009, making 14 appearances for the club before returning to the Premier League with AC Milan. He scored two goals during his time in Italy, both of which came in a 3-2 win over Udinese.
2. Paul Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne joined Lazio from Rangers in 1992 and went on to make 28 appearances for the club. He scored four goals during his time in Italy, including a memorable free-kick against Parma. He left Lazio in 1995 and returned to England with Middlesbrough.
3. Steve McManaman
Steve McManaman joined Real Madrid from Liverpool in 1999 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club. He scored 15 goals during his time in Spain, including a memorable strike against Barcelona in the 2000 Champions League final. He left Madrid in 2003 and returned to England with Manchester City.
4. Paul Ince
Paul Ince joined Inter Milan from Manchester United in 1995 and went on to make 33 appearances for the club. He scored four goals during his time in Italy, including a memorable strike against Juventus in the 1996 UEFA Cup final. He left Inter in 1997 and returned to England with Middlesbrough.
5. Sol Campbell
Sol Campbell joined Arsenal from Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club. He scored three goals during his time in North London, including a memorable strike against Manchester United in the 2003 FA Cup final. He left Arsenal in 2006 and joined Portsmouth.
6. Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole joined Roma from Chelsea in 2014 and went on to make 33 appearances for the club. He scored one goal during his time in Italy, a memorable strike against Sampdoria in a 2-1 win. He left Roma in 2016 and returned to England with LA Galaxy.
7. David Platt
David Platt joined Bari from Aston Villa in 1991 and went on to make 27 appearances for the club. He scored six goals during his time in Italy, including a memorable strike against Juventus in a 2-1 win. He left Bari in 1993 and returned to England with Arsenal.
8. Jamie Redknapp
Jamie Redknapp joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in 1991 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club. He scored 11 goals during his time at Anfield, including a memorable strike against Newcastle United in the 1995 FA Cup final. He left Liverpool in 1999 and joined Tottenham Hotspur.
9. Graeme Le Saux
Graeme Le Saux joined Chelsea from Blackburn Rovers in 1997 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club. He scored six goals during his time at Stamford Bridge, including a memorable strike against Real Madrid in the 1998 Champions League semi-final. He left Chelsea in 2003 and joined Southampton.
10. Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker joined Barcelona from Everton in 1986 and went on to make 43 appearances for the club. He scored 30 goals during his time at the Camp Nou, including a memorable hat-trick against Real Madrid in a 5-0 win. He left Barcelona in 1989 and returned to England with Tottenham Hotspur.
11. John Barnes
John Barnes joined Newcastle United from Watford in 1997 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club. He scored 11 goals during his time at St James’ Park, including a memorable strike against Manchester United in a 3-2 win. He left Newcastle in 1999 and joined Charlton Athletic.
12. Teddy Sheringham
Teddy Sheringham joined West Ham United from Tottenham Hotspur in 1997 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club. He scored 48 goals during his time at Upton Park, including a memorable strike against Manchester United in a 3-2 win. He left West Ham in 2003 and joined Portsmouth.
13. Peter Crouch
Peter Crouch joined Portsmouth from Aston Villa in 2008 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club. He scored 28 goals during his time at Fratton Park, including a memorable strike against Manchester City in a 3-1 win. He left Portsmouth in 2011 and joined Stoke City.
14. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard joined Chelsea from West Ham United in 2001 and went on to make over 400 appearances for the club. He scored 147 goals during his time at Stamford Bridge, including a memorable strike against Barcelona in the 2005 Champions League semi-final. He left Chelsea in 2014 and joined New York City FC.
15. Michael Owen
Michael Owen joined Newcastle United from Real Madrid in 2005 and went on to make 79 appearances for the club. He scored 30 goals during his time at St James’ Park, including a memorable strike against Manchester United in a 4-3 win. He left Newcastle in 2009 and joined Manchester United.
16. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United from Everton in 2004 and went on to make over 500 appearances for the club. He scored 253 goals during his time at Old Trafford, including a memorable strike against Manchester City in a 4-3 win. He left Manchester United in 2017 and joined Everton for a second spell before joining DC United later that year.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 16 England internationals who have played in Serie A since 1990! How many did you get right? Let us know your score in the comments below!