Wes Brown
Sunday, 13 January, 2008
A versatile and committed player, Wes Brown earned four caps during the past year.
Wes Brown
DOB 13.10.79
2007 Caps 4, Goals 0
Career Caps 14, Goals 0
Manchester United
Wes Brown has often had to battle against injury problems in his career so 2007 was a a great success. He made four appearances for England, including a starting role at right-back as in a in a comprehensive 3-0 EURO 2008 qualifying Wembley win over Estonia.
The Estonia game witnessed an effective partnership on the right-hand side with David Beckham, providing the platform from which his team-mate was able to contribute produced his match-winning performance.
Solid defending, the versatile Brown also used his pace to good effect going forward, allowing Beckham space to deliver his trademark crosses.
Those are two of the many aspects of Brown's game that persuaded McClaren to put his faith in the player from Longsight, in Manchester.
His versatility is possibly his greatest asset, and he was used as both a right back and in central defence.
Brown's other appearances include replacing Rio Ferdinand just after half-time against Germany, when England were already 2-1 down. Chasing the game, a firm foundation in defence allowed England to attack relentlessly in search of an equaliser, although to no avail.
In England's first game at the new Wembley stadium, against Brazil, Brown came on for John Terry on 73 minutes, and joined his United team-mate Ferdinand in forming the backline that would frustrate the former World champions until injury time. His latest cap was earned against Austria.
"It has been great to play. It is always good to get a run in the side so early in the season." Wes Brown
"Wes is an outstanding defender. A real, true, natural defender and fantastic to have in your squad. He has turned into a really important player for us." Sir Alex Ferguson