Portsmouth among the silverware: England World Cup glory for popular ex-Fratton Park trio
The England World Cup-winning trio all served Pompey with distinction between 2009-2012
England have already clinched a World Cup this summer - and three popular ex-Pompey players aided their triumph.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are to kick off their bid for glory on June 17 against Croatia, yet another coveted piece of silverware is already on the way home.
On Saturday, England were crowned champions at the Seniors World Cup in Thailand, claiming the trophy for a record ninth time.
A comprehensive 4-0 victory over France in the final reflected their dominance in the six-day tournament, winning all five of their matches, including Group A.
St Mary’s goal hero on the scoresheet
David Norris scored in the opening group game’s 2-0 success against Thailand and the 45-year-old continued to feature as England rotated their squad throughout.
Greg Halford and Sean Davis were the other members of the Pompey contingent involved in the success in Ubon Ratchathani, just outside Bangkok, for a tournament involving players aged over-40.
Skippered by Gareth Barry, the Three Lions advanced to the final after topping their group following victories over Thailand, USA and Taiwan.
They then beat Australia 5-2 in the semi-finals to meet France in the final, with Jamie Cureton, Barry Hayles, Aaron O’Connor and Karl Duguid subsequently netted in the 4-0 success.
Barry, with 53 caps, and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie were among those who had previously represented England during their playing careers.
Now they have captured the Seniors World Cup, an event which has been running since 2006, with England winners in nine of the 18 years.
Three Pompey favourites
Norris and Halford 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.
The club were forced to sell both for cut-price deals in 2012, with administrator Trevor Birch required to remove all senior players from cash-strapped Pompey’s wage bill to avoid liquidation.
However, Norris and Halford remain fondly remembered at Fratton Park and, until recently, have been playing non-league football well into their 40s.
While Davis featured 116 times for Pompey, scoring three goals, before leaving in the summer of 2009 upon the expiry of his contract to join Bolton.
He had been part of the 2005-06 Great Escape team, while was also a member of the squad which won the 2008 FA Cup, both under Harry Redknapp.
The tournament format required 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.
Matches consisted of 20-minute quarters, with rolling subs for those players aged older than 50.