| Lee Hendrie had the potential to forge a long and successful England career when he was handed his first cap by an admiring Glenn Hoddle at the end of 1998, when England took on the Czech Republic in a friendly (the photo above is during the game). Much had been made of the skilful, visionary Aston Villa midfielder's qualification also for Scotland but only a real cynic would suggest that his appearance as a substitute for Paul Merson at Wembley as England won 2-0 was designed to prevent the enemy ever getting their hands on him. For all that, Hendrie's debut as a 21 year old bore no further appearances, partly because his first game also turned out to be Hoddle's last, and some indifferent form in years ahead from both himself and his club did not contribute to his case, not to mention the emergence and presence of enough more consistent midfielders to keep his name well away from the loop in any event. Still a fine player though. (Matthew Rudd) |