British Isles stars that have played abroad starting XI, after Hart Torino move
Lee Gormley and Sam Barnard | August 30, 2016
Joe Hart’s time with Manchester City came to an end, temporarily, with the England number one goalkeeper completing a switch to Serie A outfit Torino, while Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was close to departing Arsenal for ventures abroad before choosing Bournemouth.
England international Hart has followed the path of former West Bromwich Albion defender Joleon Lescott, who recently secured a surprise switch to Greek side AEK Athens after a proposed move to Glasgow giants Rangers fell through, while Scottish teenager Oliver Burke joined RB Leipzig from Nottingham Forest.
So, in light of these British players opting for such switches beyond their home nation, Coral pick a squad of 23 stars from the British Isles that have played abroad in Europe. Enjoy…
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Roy Carroll (Northern Ireland)
Former Manchester United stopper Carroll plied his trade in Denmark and Greece, after failing to ever really be first choice in Britain. He won two Greek Cups and the Superleague with Olympiakos and is now plying his trade in Ireland with Linfield.
After departing Man City, who are 11/8 favourites with Coral for the Premier League title this season, another shot stopper Hart will hope to enjoy a successful stint on Italian soil.
Right back: Steve Finnan (Republic of Ireland)
After wining multiple trophies with Liverpool, including the Champions League and FA Cup, full back Finnan spent a short spell near the end of his career in Spain’s La Liga with Catalan club Espanyol. He is picked ahead of former Fiorentina full back Micah Richards.
Centre back: Mick McCarthy (Republic of Ireland)
Barnsley-born Ireland international McCarthy was a no-nonsense centre back back in the day, and spent a surprising spell in France with Lyon. He is now in charge of Ipswich Town.
Centre back: John Charles (Wales)
Charles was perhaps the best all-round footballer in history, as he was equally adept to playing in defence and up front. He is a Leeds United hero, but spent five successful years with Juventus, where he was nicknamed the ‘gentle giant’. Charles won three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia trophies with the Italian giants.
Left back: Ashley Cole (England)
Three Lions centurion Cole struggled to gain much first football in Italy’s capital with Roma, before jetting off to LA Galaxy, but is still one of the best players to have graced the left back position.
Defensive midfield: Graeme Souness (Scotland)
Liverpool and Scotland icon Souness is another renowned for his tough approach on the pitch, and he went to Italy in his latter years too, where he picked up a Coppa Italia with Sampdoria.
Central midfield: Paul Gascoigne (England)
‘Gazza’ is one of the most gifted players to have come out of England, and he was adored by fans during his three years with Lazio, despite suffering from injury and controversy.
Central midfield: Glenn Hoddle (England)
Hoddle was another naturally talented English midfielder, and managed to claim a Ligue 1 title and French Cup with Monaco.
Right forward: Kevin Keegan (England)
Another Liverpool icon, Keegan transferred his success from Anfield to Hamburg, where he won the Bundesliga and reached a European Cup final. He played under a certain former Fulham manager in Felix Magath while in Germany.
Striker: Gary Lineker (England)
Lineker was a prolific poacher throughout his career, and was successful during his three years with Barcelona. He lifted the Copa del Rey with them, and has a Clasico hat-trick to his name.
Left forward: Gareth Bale (Wales)
World record signing Bale of course has to make this team, following his £85m switch from Spurs to Real Madrid in 2013. The Welsh wing wizard had a successful first season, when he netted the winner in the Copa del Rey and a crucial extra time goal in the Champions League final. He has since won the European Cup again and starred for Wales at Euro 2016.
Substitutes:
Scott Carson, Ian Harte, Jonathan Woodgate, Des Walker, Paul Lambert, David Platt, David Beckham, Steve McManaman, Laurie Cunningham, Mark Hughes, Joe Jordan, Michael Owen.
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