England’s last World Cup semi-finalists – Where are they now?
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England will play in a World Cup semi-final for the first time since 1990 when they face Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday evening.
The game is, without doubt, the biggest match that the national team have played since that heartbreaking penalty shootout to West Germany in Turin.
The England players who played at Italia 90 are still remembered fondly, and the likelihood is that whatever happens tonight, the Class of the 2018 World Cup will be looked upon favourably too.
Ahead of the huge game, we’ve taken a look at the side who came so close to making the final 28 years ago to see where they are now.
Peter Shilton
Peter Shilton’s 30-year playing career saw him play for 11 different clubs. He won two European Cup finals with Nottingham Forest and he still holds the record (125) for the player with the most caps for England. Nowadays, he works as an after-dinner speaker and runs a successful consulting company with his wife Steph. Shilton also appeared on the 2010 series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Mark Wright
After retiring as a player in 1998, Mark Wright spent time managing in the lower leagues of English football. However, he now spends his time running his various businesses. Wright and his former Liverpool teammate Michael Owen set up a company called Red Sports, which aims to develop coaching programmes in China. Wright also founded Premier Legends, a company that gives fans a chance to join ex-players on stadium tours or at various events. Wright is also a huge advocate of the adoption and fostering of children in need.
Paul Parker
After spells as a manager in the lower leagues, Paul Parker now works as a pundit in east Asia.
Des Walker
After a 20-year playing career, Des Walker had a brief spell as a coach before becoming a lorry driver! He is now back working as a coach.
Terry Butcher
Terry Butcher has spent pretty much his entire life in football. He moved into coaching and management when he hung up his boots. He is now the head coach of the Philippines national side.
Stuart Pearce
Stuart Pearce was one of the two England players to miss in the shootout in 1990. Since retiring, he’s held numerous managerial positions, including the role as England U21 manager. He is currently out of work after his spell as David Moyes’ assistant at West Ham.
Chris Waddle
If Stuart Pearce’s penalty was bad, Chris Waddle’s was horrendous! After a brief spell in management, Waddle moved into punditry and is now a regular co-commentator on BBC’s radio coverage of football.
David Platt
After spells in charge of Sampdoria, Nottingham Forest and England’s under-21 team, David Platt worked as a coach at Manchester City. He left City following the departure of Roberto Mancini and has since had a spell managing FC Pune City of the Indian Super League.
Paul Gascoigne
One of England’s greatest ever players, Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne has never been too far away from the spotlight. After numerous battles with alcohol and drug abuse, Gascoigne is currently looking to stay on the straight and narrow.
Peter Beardsley
Since retiring in 1999, Peter Beardsley has spent most of his life working in various coaching roles at Newcastle United.
Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker is only one of two England players to score a goal in a World Cup semi-final (the other being Bobby Charlton in 1966). Lineker is now a TV host, where he presents shows such as Match of the Day and BT Sport’s Champions League coverage.
(Sub) Trevor Steven
After hanging up his boots, Trevor Steven became a TV pundit and is most commonly seen on RTÉ Sport in Ireland.