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England star who scored on Three Lions debut switched countries to play in AFCON
An England star who scored on his Three Lions debut later switched his international allegiance in order to play in the Africa Cup of Nations
An England star who scored on his one and only appearance for the Three Lions later changed his international allegiance to play in AFCON.
Steven Caulker, who celebrates his 34th birthday today (Monday, December 29), earned his senior England debut under Roy Hodgson in 2012 in the infamous 4-2 friendly defeat against Sweden. The Tottenham centre-back turned in a Steven Gerrard free-kick from three yards before he was withdrawn in the 74th minute, with the Three Lions winning 2-1 at the time.
However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored three more times to make it four for Sweden - including a famous wonder goal beating Joe Hart from distance. And the defeat proved to be Caulker's only appearance for England as his career lost momentum, joining Cardiff City and spending three years at QPR before a bizarre short-term loan switch to Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, during which he was sometimes played up front as a substitute.
Despite also playing for England at U19 and U21 level, and representing Team GB at the 2012 Olympic Games, he was eligible to switch his national allegiance.
Caulker was eligible to represent Sierra Leone through his grandfather William, after being approached by former West Ham star Carlton Cole - whose mum is from the West African nation - on behalf of their football association.
He was also able to represent Scotland through his grandmother Jessie, but made it clear he would submit a request for change of association to FIFA in order to play for Sierra Leone, where he regularly visits.
Speaking previously to the Athletic, Caulker said: “It is a country that is close to my heart, and somewhere I’ve always been made to feel welcome. Visiting my grandfather’s village was an incredible, humbling experience.
“The football federation reached out through Carlton [Cole], whose mother is from Sierra Leone, after qualifying for their first Africa Cup of Nations in 25 years and were hoping I could add some experience to their group.
“They’re in a growing process and have aspirations to qualify for the World Cup.
“For me, this is an unbelievable opportunity and more than about just playing football. Representing Sierra Leone would be something I can be proud of when I look back over my career. I’ll have to earn my place in the team, but it’s an exciting prospect and something I can’t wait to be a part of.”
Caulker was cleared to play in the 2021 AFCON and played in all three of Sierra Leone's games, earning praise for his efforts in their draws against defending champions Algeria and Ivory Coast. After a fine performance and a goal-denying block on his debut in a 0-0 draw against Algeria, he contributed a 93rd-minute assist to hold Ivory Coast 2-2.
Sierra Leone lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea and finished third place in their group with two points, meaning they didn't progress to the knockout stage. The Leone Stars failed to qualify for the 2023 or 2025 tournaments. After spells in Turkey, Caulker now plays for Stjarnan, in Iceland’s top-tier.
Daily Star Sunday
An England star who scored on his Three Lions debut later switched his international allegiance in order to play in the Africa Cup of Nations
An England star who scored on his one and only appearance for the Three Lions later changed his international allegiance to play in AFCON.
Steven Caulker, who celebrates his 34th birthday today (Monday, December 29), earned his senior England debut under Roy Hodgson in 2012 in the infamous 4-2 friendly defeat against Sweden. The Tottenham centre-back turned in a Steven Gerrard free-kick from three yards before he was withdrawn in the 74th minute, with the Three Lions winning 2-1 at the time.
However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored three more times to make it four for Sweden - including a famous wonder goal beating Joe Hart from distance. And the defeat proved to be Caulker's only appearance for England as his career lost momentum, joining Cardiff City and spending three years at QPR before a bizarre short-term loan switch to Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, during which he was sometimes played up front as a substitute.
Despite also playing for England at U19 and U21 level, and representing Team GB at the 2012 Olympic Games, he was eligible to switch his national allegiance.
Caulker was eligible to represent Sierra Leone through his grandfather William, after being approached by former West Ham star Carlton Cole - whose mum is from the West African nation - on behalf of their football association.
He was also able to represent Scotland through his grandmother Jessie, but made it clear he would submit a request for change of association to FIFA in order to play for Sierra Leone, where he regularly visits.
Speaking previously to the Athletic, Caulker said: “It is a country that is close to my heart, and somewhere I’ve always been made to feel welcome. Visiting my grandfather’s village was an incredible, humbling experience.
“The football federation reached out through Carlton [Cole], whose mother is from Sierra Leone, after qualifying for their first Africa Cup of Nations in 25 years and were hoping I could add some experience to their group.
“They’re in a growing process and have aspirations to qualify for the World Cup.
“For me, this is an unbelievable opportunity and more than about just playing football. Representing Sierra Leone would be something I can be proud of when I look back over my career. I’ll have to earn my place in the team, but it’s an exciting prospect and something I can’t wait to be a part of.”
Caulker was cleared to play in the 2021 AFCON and played in all three of Sierra Leone's games, earning praise for his efforts in their draws against defending champions Algeria and Ivory Coast. After a fine performance and a goal-denying block on his debut in a 0-0 draw against Algeria, he contributed a 93rd-minute assist to hold Ivory Coast 2-2.
Sierra Leone lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea and finished third place in their group with two points, meaning they didn't progress to the knockout stage. The Leone Stars failed to qualify for the 2023 or 2025 tournaments. After spells in Turkey, Caulker now plays for Stjarnan, in Iceland’s top-tier.
Daily Star Sunday