He's at it again: Portsmouth hero among goals after England World Cup call-up for ex-Fratton Park trio
England have won the Thailand tournament a record eight times
England World Cup action is underway - and three former Pompey favourites have already helped them to two victories.
While Thomas Tuchel’s side aren’t scheduled to play until June 17, the Three Lions’ Veterans are currently on duty at the Seniors World Cup in Thailand.
The tournament, which has been running since 2006, consists of eight countries from across the globe, involving players aged over-40.
England’s squad includes Gareth Barry, Lee Hendrie, Barry Hayles, Ian Cox and Luke McCormick.
There is also plenty of Pompey representation, with David Norris, Sean Davis and Greg Halford all part of the seniors’ squad.
Fratton Park team-mates in 2011-12
Halford and Norris were Fratton Park team-mates in the troubled 2011-12 campaign, with the Blues in administration after another financial implosion. It culminated in relegation from the Championship.
Indeed, they lined-up in the iconic St Mary’s clash against Southampton in April 2012, when Norris’ stunning stoppage-time volley created a memorable moment.
However, both left in the summer of 2012, with administrator Trevor Birch required to remove all senior players off the club wage bill in order for them to avoid liquidation.
As for Davis, his time at Fratton Park preceded them, having left the Blues in the summer of 2009 at the end of his contract to join Bolton.
He had been part of the 2005-06 Great Escape side, while also a member of the squad which won the 2008 FA Cup, both under Harry Redknapp.
Victory in opening two fixtures
England, who have captured the Seniors World Cup a record eight times, kicked off the latest tournament with a Group A victory over Thailand on Monday, with Norris on the scoresheet in the 2-0 success.
Halford and Davis then lined up for the Three Lions in yesterday’s 4-1 success over Taiwan, earning them a place in the semi-finals.
The USA are also in England’s group, while Group B consists of France, Australia, Laos and New Zealand.
The semi-finals take place on Friday – including the consolation rounds – with the final scheduled for June 6.
The tournament format requires each side to have three players aged 40 to 44, four players aged 45 to 49 and three players aged 50 or older on the pitch at one time.
Each match consists of 20-minute quarters, while there are rolling subs for those players aged older than 50.
Davis, who featured 116 times for Pompey, scoring three goals, announced his retirement from football in September 2012 after a knee injury blighted his latter years.
However, in the case of Halford and Norris, both were continuing to play non-league football last season.
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