Where England XI that faced Luka Modric at Wembley 17 YEARS ago is today – as Croatia star, 38, delays retirement

ENGLAND’s team has drastically changed over the last 17 years since their shock defeat to Luka Modric’s Croatia.

The Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008 after they were beaten 3-2 at Wembley in 2007.

Luka Modric was part of the Croatia team that shocked England in 2007Getty

GettyCroatia beat Steve McLaren’s side to stop them from qualifying for Euro 2008[/caption]

The team, led by former manager Steve Mclaren, found themselves 2-0 down after an error from Scott Carson and a goal from Ivica Olic.

Despite a fightback with goals from Frank Lampard and Peter Crouch, it was Mladen Petric’s goal that proved decisive.

The match also featured a 22-year-old Modric, who has gone on to become one of the best midfielders in football history.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star was expected to hang up his boots after Euro 2024 but has delayed his retirement.

But while, Modric has remained ever-present in his national team, England‘s players from that match have gone on to pastures new.

The result was made even worse as Michael Owen had claimed that none of the Croatian players would get into the England team.

Owen’s opinions sparked fury from Slaven Bilic, who called the comments “ridiculous”.

Here is what the England starting XI from the match are today…

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Scott Carson – Goalkeeper

Despite his error in the game, Scott Carson has progressed to forge a successful career in football.

The goalkeeper is currently Manchester City‘s third-choice stopper and was in the squad during the club’s era of domination.

Micah Richards – Right-back

The defender retired from football in 2019 when he was just 31 years old.

Richards is now a regular pundit on multiple broadcasters such as Sky Sports and the BBC.

Sol Campbell – Centre-back

Sol Campbell finished his illustrious playing career in 2011 and, after eight years, went into club management.

He took charge of Macclesfield Town and Southend but has been unable to find another manager job since 2020.

Joleon Lescott – Centre-back

GettyJoleon Lescott works as a pundit[/caption]

The centre-back retired from playing in 2020 and has worked as a pundit for the BBC.

He has also spent time working in the England set-up as a coach.

Wayne Bridge – Left-back

Wayne Bridge finished playing football in 2014 after being released by Reading.

The 43-year-old has since taken a leading role in raising awareness about mental health.

Gareth Barry – Centre-midfielder

@hurstpierpoint1Gareth Barry came out of retirement to sign for Hurstpierpoint[/caption]

Gareth Barry came out of retirement this summer to join non-league side Hurstpierpoint in Mid Sussex.

He still holds the record for most Premier League appearances with 653 overall.

Frank Lampard – Centre-midfielder

Lampard, like Campbell, has transitioned into management since retiring.

He has taken charge of Derby County, Chelsea and Everton but is currently without a club.

Steven Gerrard – Centre-midfielder

GettySteven Gerrard is the manager of Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia[/caption]

Steven Gerrard is the third and final member of the squad that has become a football manager.

After stints at Rangers and Aston Villa, the Liverpool legend is now the boss of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.

Shaun Wright-Phillips – Right-wing

Shaun Wright-Phillips finished his playing career at Phoenix Rising FC in the US in 2019.

He can now be spotted around the Etihad Stadium and Manchester City’s academy.

Joe Cole – Left-wing

PAJoe Cole works as a pundit[/caption]

Joe Cole is now a regular face on television as he works as a pundit.

The retired winger often appears for TNT Sports, covering European matches.

Peter Crouch – Striker

Crouch has found great success since retiring with his Peter Crouch Podcast.

He also works as a pundit for TNT Sports.