With the International Break this weekend perhaps now is a good time to look at when the Boleyn hosted a full international game.
The Boleyn had hosted Under 21 games in the past but because of the redevelopment of Wembley stadium, England games were taken round the country to various league grounds.
England faced Australia in a friendly back in 2003 which was notable for more than one reason, Francis Jeffers scored his one and only goal in his one and only game, the Aussies defeated England (3-1) for the first time.
England also welcomed into their ranks for the first time, Wayne Rooney who aged 17 years and 111 days became England’s youngest ever player and as we all know would go on to become England’s leading goal scorer of his generation.
England’s team that day did have a West Ham flavour to it with David James still No 1 for us, Frank Lampard and Rio both started, while future Hammer Kieron Dyer also made the starting line up. The Aussies had ex favourite at the Boleyn Stan Lazaridis and future captain Lucas Neil
The game itself was reminiscent of West Hams Season that year, poor. The Hammers were relegated after failing to win any home games until January the 31st and as someone who attended that game I remember walking out thinking, “that defeat was just like watching West Ham”.
