I made my England debut in the first new match at Wembley. I only earned one more cap

MEET the mysterious English star who made his debut at the “new” Wembley.

Nicky Shorey is not a name that has entered English folklore.

Nicky Shorey played just twice for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association

Shorey, number 3, made his full debut at the opening of the new Wembley against Brazil in 2007Credit: PA:Press Association

However, a case can certainly be made that he has a claim to such a title as he was one of the Three Lions starting XI that started the match when Wembley returned to the international stage.

Shorey had impressed for Reading in the 2007 season, leading to fans creating a ‘Shorey for England’ chant for him, which eventually led to him being called up by England B.

An impressive performance from the left-back against Albania in that game led to suggestions he could make the step up to the first team.

And in May 2007, Shorey was called up by Steve McLaren for the new Wembley debut against Brazil.

In doing so, he made history as Reading’s first player in 100 years to play for the senior national team.

He played for the duration of the 1-1 draw, with John Terry curling in a header from David Beckham’s free-kick before Diego equalized for the Samba nation in the 90th minute.

However, Shorey failed to secure a place in the team and only made one more appearance for England, playing against Germany in August 2007.

Reflecting on his England selection against Brazil, Shorey told the Three Lions podcast in 2020: “Yes, it still seems a bit surreal now.

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“It was even more surreal at the time because we had literally just been promoted from Reading and had only been in the Premier League for one season.

“And when you get a cap as a left-back in the era of Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge, it’s very difficult.

Kobbie Mainoo responds to the first senior England call-up

“You have to be a bit lucky and luckily I think they both got injured. It just came at a time when I was playing really well and we had done really well in Reading.

“You never quite think it’s going to happen until you actually get the call and someone says, listen, you’re on the team.”

Shorey – who could play in midfield or as a wing-back – played for Reading between 2000 and 2008, making 296 appearances.

The now 43-year-old also played for Aston Villa, Fulham and West Brom in the Premier League before returning to Reading in the 2012/2013 season.

Shorey went on to play for Bristol City, Portsmouth, Colchester United and Hungerford Town before hanging up his boots in 2017.

There was even a brief stint in the Indian Super League with Pune City, making fifteen appearances.

England are preparing for a repeat of Shorey’s debut match on Saturday, which could see as many as three players make their international debuts.

Jarrad Branthwaite, Anthony Gordon and Kobbie Mainoo – who was only promoted after the weekend – are all set to make their debuts during the international break after being called up by Gareth Southgate.