Landmark reached in draw with Wales when Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Bukayo Saka and Reece James debuted; 40 years since first black player represented England
Sunday 11 October 2020 20:00, UK
One hundred players of black heritage have represented the England national football team at international level.
The landmark was reached on Thursday night when three players of black heritage debuted for England and was discovered during Sky Sports' production of a special feature on the story of England's black footballers to mark Black History Month.
Three players of black heritage - Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and Chelsea's Reece James - debuted for England in the friendly against Wales on Thursday with James' second-half introduction from the bench making him the 100th player of black heritage to play for England, just over 40 years since the first.
Reporting on the landmark, Sky Sports' Jaydee Dyer summarised: "It is incredible to reflect on the strides which have taken place in English football. To have both a senior men's centurion and 100 different players of black heritage represent the nation is an undoubted sign of progression. As always the challenge for English football is to continue to create new history."
Take A Stand is a new campaign from Kick It Out that is encouraging people across the football community to take action against racism and other forms of discrimination by publicly pledging to be part of positive change.
Reports of discrimination rose by 42 per cent last season, and the charity fears that the continuation of football being played behind closed doors will only lead to another rise in online abuse suffered by players as fans watch games from home.