England U21s who played in first match at new Wembley – and where they are now 17 years on
It's the 17th anniversary of the opening of the new Wembley on Sunday - and Daily Star Sport looks at what became of the England U21s side who opened the new home of football
These days, the new Wembley is almost as iconic as the old Twin Towers that towered above the old ground.
However, 17 years ago, it was brand new after construction was finally finished on the new home of football. And it was England's U21 side that were given the task of opening the new stadium as they clashed with Italy U21s on 24th March 2007.
It was a highly entertaining clash, with David Bentley netting a free-kick, as the two sides played out a 3-3 draw. Wayne Routledge and Matt Derbyshire, who had come off the bench, were also on the scoresheet as more than 55,000 fans caught glimpses of England's future.
Here, Daily Star Sport takes a look at where the first players to grace the Wembley grass are now, 17 years after the game.
Lee Camp (QPR)
Lee Camp never made a senior appearance for England. He did, however, make nine senior appearances with Northern Ireland. Camp retired in 2022, having experienced a decent journeyman career in the Football League
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)1 of 11Liam Rosenior (Fulham)
Liam Rosenior also failed to live up to lofty expectation of his early career - playing the majority of his football in the Championship. Rosenior is now at the helm of Hull City, who are pushing for Premier League promotion
(Image: Getty Images)2 of 11Anton Ferdinand (West Ham)
As the younger brother of Rio Ferdinand, there were high expectations on the shoulders of Anton Ferdinand. And while he played in the Premier League, Anton ended his career at St Mirren with a whimper in 2019
(Image: Getty Images)3 of 11Gary Cahill (Aston Villa)
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Gary Cahill would go onto win the Champions League with Chelsea as well as earning caps for the senior side. These days, Cahill is heavily involved with charities - and he'll be playing for England at Soccer Aid
(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)4 of 11Leighton Baines (Wigan)
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Leighton Baines would manage 30 England caps in a career best remembered for his time at Everton. He's still on Merseyside with the Toffees - where he's the manager of Everton U18s and a Professional Development Coach for the Everton Academy
(Image: Everton FC via Getty Images)5 of 11
