BILLY WRIGHT MBE

 11th April 1959

On this day, Billy Wright of Wolves became the first England player – in fact the first player in the world – to make his 100th international appearance in England’s 1-0 victory over Scotland at Wembley. He eventually won 105 caps, captaining England 90 times, his last 70 caps were in an uninterrupted row at the end. He scored THREE GOALS!! but was a centre-half! 

His debut cap was in Belfast, Ireland on 28th September 1946, playing in a 7-2 win. He was made captain of his country in 1948. He made his debut at 15 years old for Wolves, just before the outbreak of the Second World War.

Billy got some coverage in 2017.
https://baileyfootballblog.blogspot.com/2017/10/sabrina-plays-up-front.html

Billy Wright, born in Wolverhampton, earned his 100th England cap on April 6th 1959, the same day that he became a dad. His wife, Joy Beverley, gave birth to an 8lb 1oz baby girl, who having been born right at the end of the income tax year, earned the England and Wolves' captain £100 in child rebate allowance. As if he needed it! Married to one of the famous "Beverley Sisters" singing group, 35 year old Billy was a true celebrity, enjoying the glitter of Joy's sisters, Teddy and Babs.

William Ambrose Wright CBE was born on 6 February 1924 – and died on 3 September 1994. He spent his entire club career at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wright also holds the record for longest unbroken run in competitive international football, including their campaigns at the FIFA World Cup Finals, 1954, 1958 and 1962.

                                                     

Photo taken before the annual match v Scotland in April 1959; his 100th cap. He is second from left, back row. England won  1-0. On 28th May 1959 he played his last game (105th cap) on tour, at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles against the USA; a 8-1 win. 

Other England 100+ Caps: Shilton  125, Rooney 120, Beckham 115, Gerrard 114, Moore 108, Cole A 107, Charlton R 106, Lampard 106.

100 + appearances