It’s an exciting time for the 23 players selected to represent England at the World Cup. For some it will be yet another tournament and the final swansong in a long international career, and for others it will be a new experience signalling the beginning of their England future.
Luke Shaw made his England debut in February this year and is likely to be a regular part of the England team for years to come. Like Shaw, many players played their first game for England and believed it was the beginning of a long international career. Sadly, there are plenty of players still waiting for their second cap.
In honour of these ‘one cap’ players, here is a starting XI made up of current players to have only played once for England.
Some of the younger players in the team may get another opportunity to play for their country in the future, but for others, their solitary England cap will be the only time they ever get to represent England in international football.
1. Goalkeeper: Chris Kirkland
Debut: 16th August 2006, 45 minutes against Greece.
The Sheffield Wednesday shotstopper made his debut for England during Steve Maclaren’s ill fated tenure.
Kirkland had been a regular in Sven-Groan Eriksson’s squads from 2003 and featured for the Under 21s on several occasions.
Unfortunately, Kirkland never made another appearance for England and it seems unlikely that he will be making one anytime soon.
2. Defence: Carl Jenkinson
Debut: 14th November 2012, 17 minutes against Sweden.
Carl Jenkinson’s impressive start to his Arsenal career was rewarded with a substitute appearance against Sweden in 2012.
The Arsenal full back has played second fiddle to Bacary Sagna this season and has seen other young defenders in the league move ahead of him in England’s pecking order.
With Sagna set to move on from Arsenal, Jenkinson will have an opportunity to cement himself in the Wenger’s side and remind Hodgson of his abilities.
3. Defence: Steven Caulker
Debut: 14th November 2012, 73 minutes against Sweden.
Steven Caulker’s first cap for England came in an enthralling game against Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden back in 2012.
Caulker is the only player on the list to have started the game on his debut and he thanked Hodgson by scoring England’s second goal in the fixture.
His performances for Cardiff City this season have been impressive and if Caulker departs for a Premier League team next season, he could line up for England in the future.
4. Defence: Ryan Shawcross
Debut: 14th November 2012, 17 minutes against Sweden.
Shawcross came on for Caulker in the second half of the friendly against Sweden.
The Stoke defender’s name is always mentioned when England squads are announced and it’s surprising that the player has not featured more for Roy Hodgson’s side.
Rumours are rife that Shawcross could leave the Potters this summer with a shock move to Manchester City on the cards.
Perhaps playing at the Etihad will lead to a return to the England team.
5. Defence: Martin Kelly
Debut: 26th May 2012, three minutes against Norway
Martin Kelly experienced an exciting 2012/13 Premier League campaign, but has suffered from injury this season.
Kelly’s debut was a very short appearance against Norway and the Liverpool defender will hope there are more to come in the future.
After seeing fellow Liverpool defender John Flanagan join the England squad’s standby list this summer, Kelly will be more hungry than ever to increase his international cap tally.
6. Midfield: Jonjo Shelvey
Debut: 12th October 2012, 25 minutes against San Marino
A promising Under 21 prospect, Shelvey moved to Swansea last year in attempt to make the England squad.
Despite the occasional wonder goal, Shelvey’s performances this season have been inconsistent and he can at times be a liability.
With young, exciting midfield talent in the current England squad, Shelvey will hope to find a better rhythm for Swansea in the future and secure a place in Hodgson’s side.
7. Midfield: Joey Barton
Debut: 7th February 2007, 12 minutes against Spain.
The QPR midfielder made his debut for Steve Maclaren’s side in a friendly against Spain in 2007.
Barton had been touted as a future England star in his youth, but a series of behavioural issues restricted his progress as an international player.
He was eventually handed an opportunity to play for England in 2007, but it seems that his 12 minutes against Spain will be the only time Barton will represent England.
The midfielder has slowly matured and could be back in the Premier League next season with the Hoops.
8. Midfield: Jake Livermore
Debut: 15th August 2012, 22 minutes against Italy.
Livermore debuted for Roy Hodgson’s side in a friendly against Italy in 2012.
The Tottenham midfielder has had an impressive loan spell with Hull Cuty this season and he was unlucky to miss out on an FA Cup winners medal at the weekend.
Like Shelvey, Livermore will hope to improve next season and force himself into Hodgson’s future plans.
9. Midfield: Matt Jarvis
Debut: 29th March 2011, 22 minutes against Ghana.
The West Ham winger played for just over 20 minutes for England in a friendly against Ghana.
A Wolves player at the time, Jarvis’ inclusion was met with surprise as his Premier League performances weren’t entirely impressive or convincing.
The midfielder has done little to earn a recall whilst playing for West Ham and Jarvis looks set to be another one cap wonder for England.
10. Up Front: Jay Bothroyd
Debut: 17th November 2010, 19 minutes against France.
Cardiff City’s first ever England international was another surprise selection in Fabio Capello’s squad for a friendly against France.
Like Barton, Bothroyd had been tipped to be a future England star in his youth, but he failed to realise his potential and the 19 minutes against France will be Bothroyd’s only cap for England.
The former QPR player now resides in Thailand after signing for Muangthong United in January.
11. Up Front: Kevin Davies
Debut: 12th October 2010, 22 minutes against Montenegro.
Kevin Davies’ long football career was rewarded with an England cap in October 2010.
The former Bolton Wanderers striker was a consistent Premier League performer and until October 2010 was yet to receive an international call up.
At the age of 33, Davies was one of England’s oldest debutants and the Sheffield-born player enjoyed every minute.
Now at Preston North End, Davies can reflect on an eventful career and feel content to have represented his country in a European Qualifying fixture.
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