ONLY one English player has ever played in the Champions League final, but never represented the England national team.
Jermaine Pennant never got the chance to play for England at a senior level, despite putting in a Man of the Match performance for Liverpool during the 2007 Champions League final against AC Milan.
Getty Images – GettyJermaine Pennant was Man of the Match in the 2007 Champions League final[/caption]
Times Newspapers LtdLiverpool team-mates Peter Crouch, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard all played for England throughout their careers[/caption]
GettyPennant is the only Englishman to have played in a Champions League final since the competition’s rebrand in 1992 to have never represented the national team[/caption]
He did make a number appearances for the Three Lions at U21s levelNews Group Newspapers Ltd
Pennant was playing for the Reds as they lost 2-1 in a game which saw the Italians take revenge for the Miracle of Istanbul in 2005.
Now retired, the former winger was just 24 years old when he took to the field in Greece that evening and managed to set up Liverpool’s only goal.
Despite his impressive performance he still never got the call to wear the Three Lions on his chest.
Pennant spoke about the disappointment of not representing his country and admitted it was frustrating for him as a player.
Speaking to FourFourTwo with Bettingsites.co.uk he said: “Looking back, I would say it was frustrating, especially when I’m getting the Man of the Match award in a Champions League final.
“That whole first season at Liverpool was a highlight for me, ending with a European final.
“But, when you look at the history of it, I’m the only Englishman to play in a Champions League final and not be called up to the national team, or play in the national team, or get a cap.
“It was frustrating. It was never down to my ability. It probably had more to do with things that were going on off the pitch.”
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Pennant elaborated on his disappointment over the situation in a recent interview with The Mirror.
He said: “Yeah, it did bother me. Obviously playing in the Champions League final, I thought that’s a massive step forward.
“Then getting the man of the match, obviously I know we lost, but I thought every English player who plays in a Champions League final they go on to play for their country.
“I was good mentally, I was good physically, I was in great form. And I thought it might be time before I get called up into one of the friendly squads. And it goes from there, but it didn’t happen. It kind of bothered me to a certain degree.”
He then went on to claim that he would likely get an England call-up if he was playing in the current era, adding: “I think if it was in this era, I’m sure I would have got a cap because they seem to be giving up caps like Skittles.
“You don’t need to play to get called up these days.”
Pennant was well known for his off the pitch antics, but was also highly rated for his on the pitch ability.
Despite not making his senior debut for England he did represent his nation at u21 level 24 times whilst on the books at Arsenal.
The now 40-year-old’s career took a turn following the Champions League final after he struggled to maintain a place with a top side.
He was sent on loan to Portsmouth before having spells at Stoke City, Real Zaragoza, Wigan Athletic, Billericay Town and Indian side Pune City.
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