10 England One Cap Wonders

Most young footballers dream of playing international football for England. Some forge long, decorated careers, while others international careers fade into obscurity. 

Let’s look at ten “one cap wonders” - players whose England careers were all too brief.

Steven Caulker

After impressing for Tottenham, Caulker earned his sole England cap in a friendly against Sweden on 14 November 2012. Caulker scored his first and only international goal. Putting England ahead 2-1 before Zlatan Ibrahimović notched four goals.

Despite a promising start, Caulker's international career never progressed. He struggled for consistent club form, flitting between Cardiff City, QPR, Dundee, and various overseas teams. Off-field issues and injuries hampered his development, as he faded from England consideration.

Nowadays, Caulker plays for Icelandic club Stjarnan and is captain of the Sierra Leone international side.

Jay Bothroyd

The Arsenal youth product found his groove at Cardiff City in the Championship. So England boss Fabio Capello handed Bothroyd a shock call-up. His solitary cap came in a 13th November 2010 2-1 friendly defeat to France. A second half substitute, Bothroyd's international career was brief and uneventful. 

A solid club career included spells at Arsenal, Perugia, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Bothroyd never received another call-up - he joined England's one cap wonders. He retired from professional football in 2021 after playing for Jubilo Iwata and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in Japan.

Ryan Shawcross

As a Stoke City mainstay, Shawcross' consistent performances earned him an England cap. Making his debut as a substitute for Steven Caulker on 14 November 2012. As England succumbed to a 4-2 friendly loss to Sweden. Sadly for Shawcross, his debut coincided with Zlatan Ibrahimović’s devastating hat-trick performance.

However, fierce competition for places in England's defence limited Shawcross’ chances. Shawcross never received another Three Lions call-up. Despite this, he remained a key figure for Stoke in the Premier League for several years.

Shawcross is currently the first-team coach at Stoke City.

Kevin Davies

Davies epitomised the phrase "never give up." After starring in Chesterfield's 1997 FA Cup semi-final run, Davies earned a £7 million move to Blackburn Rovers. He struggled to live up to the hype. Yet, he carved a decade-long niche at Bolton, scoring 74 times in 351 appearances.

His physical style and link up play made him a handful for defenders. At the age of 33, Davies finally earned his first and only England cap in a 0-0 draw versus Montenegro on 12 October 2010. Arriving as a second half substitute and receiving a yellow card. Thus, the Bolton cult hero was never called upon again.

Davies is now busy running a football management business, KCD Management.

Dean Ashton

Although not the quickest, Ashton combined physicality and technical ability.

Ashton made his England debut in a 01 June 2008 3-0 friendly win against Trinidad and Tobago. He didn’t get on the scoresheet. And unfortunately, a serious ankle injury in August 2006 effectively ended his top-level career. Despite many comeback attempts, Ashton retired in 2009 at the age of only 26. His solitary England cap is a reminder of what could have been.

Ashton now keeps himself busy with punditry and commentary work.

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Joey Barton

Joey Barton is a controversial figure in English football. Well-known for off-field antics, spiky performances, and social media posts.

Barton earned his only England cap in a 02 February 2007 friendly against Spain. But he competed for a midfield place with players like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. So, few fans will remember Barton's brief one cap international career. Although he remains a polarising football personality.

Controversy has followed Barton into management. With spells at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.

Chris Kirkland

After impressing at Coventry City, Kirkland earned a £6 million move to Liverpool in 2001. But injuries plagued the 6”6 stopper throughout his career, stalling his potential.

Kirkland made his England debut on 16 August 2006, playing off the bench in a 4-0 friendly thumping of Greece.

Ongoing fitness issues hampered his international chances. He struggled to establish a regular role for Liverpool or the national team. Kirkland’s one England cap offered a glimpse of his injury-free potential. But it wasn't to be.

Francis Jeffers

Jeffers was a standout talent in late 1990s English football. After establishing himself as an Everton regular, 2003 brought an England call-up. His sole appearance came in a shock 3-1 friendly defeat to Australia on 12 February 2003. He notched England’s consolation goal, but Jeffers’ international career lasted one game.

The Liverpool-born striker’s club fortunes mirrored his international woes. Signed by Arsenal in 2001, he failed to match expectations and drifted onto various clubs. 

He is now a coach in the English football leagues.

David Dunn

Once compared to Paul Gascoigine, and tipped to become an England regular. Dunn was a talented midfielder with nifty footwork, powerful shooting, and neat passing. 

Dunn made his England debut on 07 September 2002 in a friendly against Portugal. But his England career never took off. Injuries and inconsistent form stalled his career. But Dunn didn't stamp his true potential on either Blackburn or the England team.

After retirement, Dunn went into coaching at Oldham Athletic, Blackpool, and Barrow.

Lee Bowyer

Bowyer was a talented yet volatile midfielder. Starting his career at Charlton Athletic, Bowyer moved to Leeds United. There he was a key part of David O’Leary’s exciting team. However, controversy dogged his Leeds career. Including an infamous court case alongside team-mate Jonathan Woodgate.

Bowyer earned his only England cap on 07 September 2002. Playing in a 1-1 friendly game against Portugal. But, his international career ground to a halt, and he remains a one-cap wonder. Bowyer went on to have a successful club career at Newcastle, West Ham, and Birmingham City. 

He most recently managed the Montserrat international team.

Who are your most memorable England one-cap wonders? Let us know in the comments below.

Written and Researched by Russell Wingham

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