Over the years, many foreign clubs have contributed players to the England national team. Recently, Al-Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia became the 22nd non-British or Irish club to provide an international player when midfielder Brian Deane made his England debut in 1993. However, no foreign club has given more to the Three Lions than the Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Spain. Real Madrid – 5 players (64 caps)
When it comes to providing players for the England national team, no foreign club has contributed more than the prestigious Real Madrid. A remarkable five Real Madrid players have gone on to represent England, accumulating over 60 caps between them.
The Spanish giants have a long history of developing English talent, starting with Laurie Cunningham in the 1970s. Since then, talented midfielders like Steve McManaman and the iconic David Beckham reached stardom with both Real Madrid and the Three Lions. Recently, Jude Bellingham became the latest English midfielder to emerge from the famed La Fabrica youth system and make his mark on the international stage.
With Bellingham’s career just getting started, he seems poised to propel Real Madrid’s total England caps towards 100 and beyond. The club’s pipeline of English players over the decades serves as a testament to Real Madrid’s keen eye for talent and ability to mold world-class footballers. Whenever the next English star emerges from the Bernabéu, they will be following in the footsteps of an illustrious legacy.
Italy. AC Milan – 5 players (54 caps)
While AC Milan may not actually have the St. George’s Cross on their badge, the storied Italian club has still made valuable contributions to the England national team over the years. Four prominent England internationals have passed through the San Siro, establishing Milan’s pedigree for developing British talent.
In the 1980s, striker Mark Hateley and midfielder Ray Wilkins pulled on the famous red and black jersey of Milan as well as the Three Lions. David Beckham had a loan spell at Milan in 2009, adding to his 100+ caps for England. Most recently, defender Fikayo Tomori has broken through at Milan and earned call-ups to the national team.
Now, midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks set to become the next English export from Milan, if he can maintain his strong start. With four established England internationals and a fifth on the rise, AC Milan has certainly left its mark on the country’s national team. Even without the St. George’s Cross on their crest, the Rossoneri have played an undeniable role in developing English players over the decades.
Italy. Sampdoria – 3 players (50 caps)
While not as prominent as some other Serie A clubs, Sampdoria has still made important contributions to the England national team over the years. Three standout players from Sampdoria went on to earn over 50 caps and score 10 goals combined for the Three Lions.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, striker Trevor Francis, midfielder David Platt, and defender Des Walker all shone for Sampdoria and translated that success to the international level. Platt was especially prolific, netting 6 goals for England during his time in Italy. Francis also found the back of the net 4 times wearing the Three Lions shirt.
Though playing for a less high-profile Italian club than giants like Inter and Juventus, the English trio of Francis, Platt, and Walker showed how Sampdoria could serve as an effective developmental platform en route to England careers. Their collective success and accomplishments prove Sampdoria has played a noteworthy part in supplying talent to the Three Lions.
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