This Day in History: 2022-12-05

Nr. 358

BILLY WRIGHT WINS 100TH CAP (1959)

When the England captain Billy Wright led his side out at Wembley to face Scotland in April 1959 he
became the first ever footballer to win 100 caps for his country. Wright, who played at both wing-half and centre-half, had made his debut 13 years earlier and had captained England in three consecutive World Cups in 1950, 1954 and 1958. After reaching his century, Wright, always a Wolverhampton Wanderers man, played five more times for England before abruptly retiring from the game. «England has had no better or more loyal a servant,» said his team-mate Sir Tom Finney. «Billy was as solid as a rock.»

Since 1959 only 3 players have joined Wright in this exclusive club; Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Peter Shilton each passed 100 caps.