As we eagerly await the Euro 2020 tournament this summer, we got to thinking: how many players from the bottom two divisions have been included in squads?
This season could see the likes of Lincoln City’s on-loan midfield man Brennan Johnson representing his country, as well as Josh Sheehan of League Two Newport County. Is there a precedent for this in the squads of old?
The European Championships have been going on since 1960, making these the 16th finals, but the second with a vastly expanded roster. Until 1980, only four teams took part, expanded to eight until 1996. This year, 24 teams will be looking to lift the trophy, with some League One and League Two players involved.
How many have stepped across the paint to represent their country before, whilst also appearing domestically for a side in one of the two divisions we focus on? There are only two players from League One who have started a Euros game, and only one who has appeared more than once.
I’m sure it’s a question you have never asked, but one which is about to be answered anyway.
For the purpose of the article, League One will be referred to as the Third Division, and League Two the Fourth Division. It’s just clearer!
Have you tried our European Championship quiz?
| [freshpress-quiz id=”23979″] |
