National Heroes in Their Final World Cup

National Heroes in Their Final World Cup

National Heroes in Their Final World Cup

📅12 June 2014, 11:23

As with every World Cup, this tournament will mark the end of many great players’ international careers. In particular England and Italy are likely to be saying goodbye to some national heroes at the end of this tournament.

Italy’s Andrea Pirlo is unlikely to appear in any further World Cups, this year’s will be his third tournament. Over his career he has made over 100 caps for his country including when Italy won the World Cup in 2006. While this is likely the end of his career, he is still in fantastic form and will be remembered fondly regardless of this summer’s campaign. Likewise, Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is also expected to retire soon after this World Cup. He is 36 years old, this will be his fifth World Cup tournament and he has made 140 caps for his country over the past few decades.

England’s Frank Lampard will be playing in his third World Cup and since making his England debut in 1999 has made over 100 caps for the country. Lampard’s best result in the World Cup was a quarter-final exit in 2002 and while he isn’t expected to retire just yet, it is likely his final appearance at this tournament. His teammate Steven Gerrard is also playing in his third World Cup. Gerrard is 34 years old and has played an important part in the England team over the years; however, he recently said that this is likely to be his last World Cup.