SWP Extends Dads and Lads Club Record

Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips made his first start for England in Wednesday’s friendly against Holland to extend the record of one of football’s most exclusive ‘clubs’, but do you know how many fathers and sons have proudly worn the three lions at full international level?Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips made his first start for England in Wednesday’s friendly against Holland to extend the record of one of football’s most exclusive ‘clubs’, but do you know how many fathers and sons have proudly worn the three lions at full international level?

Of course, Shaun - who won his fourth cap at Villa Park - is the stepson of legendary striker Ian Wright who won 33 caps during his time with Crystal Palace, Arsenal and West Ham United.

In all four of Shaun’s England outings, he has been joined by another member of this elite group - Chelsea’s Frank Lampard.

The former West Ham United midfielder has now reached the 30-cap mark since making his debut against Belgium at Sunderland in October 1999. Despite many years of fine service at left-back for the Hammers, Frank senior won only two caps. He made his debut against Yugoslavia at Wembley in October 1972 but had to wait until May 1980 before winning his second cap against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The England father / son account was opened on 8 May 1963 when George Eastham played against Brazil at Wembley. The Arsenal and Stoke City forward went on to win 19 caps. His father - George ‘Diddler’ Eastham - won only one cap. Then a Bolton Wanderers inside forward, George senior played against Holland in the Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam on 18 May 1935.

And the only other members of this fine band are the Cloughs, Brian and Nigel.

Before becoming one of the game’s greatest-ever managers, the late former Nottingham Forest boss and Middlesbrough striker won both his caps in the space of a fortnight in October 1959 - against Wales at Cardiff and Sweden at Wembley.

Nigel, now honing his managerial skills at Burton Albion, won 14 caps during his days at Forest. He made his debut against Chile at Wembley in May 1989 with his last appearance taking in place in the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit against Germany in June 1993.

If you think there are more examples of England international father and sons, or have other similar information that you feel will be of interest to our members, please contact the AFS office or Contributions