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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Serie A star, Turkey woe and clubless: What happened to England XI vs Wales at Euro 2016

Daniel Sturridge's last-minute winner against Wales is a goal that will live long in the memory for all England fans.

It was a rare high point in what was otherwise a forgettable Euro 2016 that ended with arguably the nation's most embarrassing defeat at the hands of Iceland. It was the end of Roy Hodgson's tenure after four years in charge and since then much has changed - not least the players.

England - Wales match-ups in a major tournament are something of a rarity. The game in Lens came after one of the most historic domestic seasons we've ever seen as Leicester claimed the Premier League title. It would be their leading light - Jamie Vardy - he would score the equaliser that day.

Gareth Bale notched a controversial opener for the Welsh with Joe Hart copping huge criticism for letting the free-kick from distance go past him. Bale's former club Tottenham had ran Leicester close in the title race and several of their man men formed the crux of England's line-up.

We take a look at who lined up on that afternoon in France with only four men still in the fold...

Joe Hart

This Euros would prove to be the beginning of the end for Hart. He was criticised for several goals conceded by England in France and, after returning to his club, wasn't fancied by Pep Guardiola, who sent him out on loan. Hart has since played for Torino, West Ham, Burnley, Tottenham and is now at home with Celtic. His error-strewn England displays continued and his international career ended in 2017.

Kyle Walker

The right-back's stock was firmly on the rise. He was part of a blossoming Tottenham side that would further improve the season after the Euros. His performances saw Manchester City sign him - which has proved an inspired move for both. Walker's trophy cabinet is now full to the brim and he remains integral for club and country due to his positional versatility and his physical attributes.

Gary Cahill

A two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, but the centre-half recently called time on his career. His most recent club was Bournemouth but prior to that he also played for Aston Villa, Bolton and Crystal Palace. In 2016 he was established at Stamford Bridge, but left in 2019. He would win a total of 61 caps for his country, the last of which came under Southgate at the World Cup four years ago.

Chris Smalling

The then Manchester United defender had enjoyed a strong campaign at Old Trafford, which helped him become a starter at the Euros. He has since left the club and moved to Roma, where he is now playing under Jose Mourinho, who also managed him at the Red Devils. Southgate dropped Smalling in late 2017 citing a desire to change the style - a message he has admitted he regrets.

Danny Rose

Whilst Walker left Tottenham and went onto better things, Rose certainly did not. He fell out of favour with Mourinho and ended up playing with the club's U23s. He allowed his contract to wind down and signed a two-year deal with Watford in the summer of 2021. He asked to leave after their relegation and had his contract terminated but, at the age of 32, finds himself without a club.

Dele Alli

The great lost talent of his generation. Destined for the top ahead of this Euros with Young Player of the Year awards coming his way. The rise though was quickly followed by the demise. Sir Alex Ferguson was a fan, Jose Mourinho tried to make him realise what he was wasting, but no one could help him rediscover the form he showed as a youngster. Now, after a failed stint at Everton, Alli is in Turkey with Besiktas - and by no means is he tearing up trees.

Eric Dier

The young star had been a revelation under Mauricio Pochettino as a midfield anchor in the 2015/16 season - and that was where he lined up for the Three Lions. The debate carried on about Dier's best position, but he's now established himself as a centre-half. Southgate opted not to start with the Tottenham man at this World Cup but he has fought his way back after falling out of favour previously.

Wayne Rooney

It feels like a small lifetime ago that Rooney was putting on an England shirt. By this point the forward had begun transitioning into more of a midfielder, where he would see out his playing days in the MLS and with Derby. Now he's making the big calls with DC United as their boss having retired with club and international goalscoring records.

Adam Lallana

The playmaker was part of the England set-up during his Southampton days - and that continued at Liverpool. Some may argue he never became the player he could've, but that was largely down to injuries. Now in the twilight of his career at Brighton and already he's had a brief bit of coaching experience. He stepped in as caretaker boss for the Seagulls earlier this term when Graham Potter left.

Harry Kane

He remains the main man in attack for the Three Lions. Back in 2016 Kane had only recently broken into the international fold, but his club form made him impossible to ignore. He will, surely, soon be England's record goalscorer, but his first major tournament is perhaps best remembered for taking corners. Strange I know, but the country was in collective shock when they saw the forward taking set pieces in the tournament opener against Russia.

Raheem Sterling

Another forward who remains a stalwart. At this Euros he'd just finished his first season as a City player and was set to morph into a world star under Guardiola. A host of trophies have followed but a lack of game time at the Etihad has now seen him move to Chelsea. With England, Sterling has continued to contribute, scoring big goals at the Euros last summer, and remains a favourite under Southgate

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