Leeds United and England striker Robbie Fowler celebrates at Elland Road.Leeds United and England striker Robbie Fowler celebrates at Elland Road.
Leeds United and England striker Robbie Fowler celebrates at Elland Road.

The day Leeds United hosted England's 'golden generation' as three Elland Road stars feature against Italy

It's 19 years ago to the day (March 27) since Elland Road hosted England's 'golden generation' in the build up to the 2002 World Cup.

Three Lions boss Sven-Goran Eriksson used 22 players in the friendly warm-up match against Italy for the final international break ahead of the World Cup hosted in South Korea and Japan.

It was a rare chance for Elland Road to witness an international fixture, with three Whites players - Robbie Fowler, Danny Mills and Nigel Martyn - all involved.

Eriksson made nine changes at the break and another two during the second half in a bid to give his full squad a run out against the Azzurri.

David Beckham captained the side and there were some notable absences but it was home favourite Fowler who opened the scoring just after the hour mark.

Vincenzo Montella, though, scored a stunning goal from outside the box to level before bagging an injury time penalty to hand Italy a late victory in West Yorkshire.

Here, the Yorkshire Evening Post take a look back through the archives to bring you the best pictures from a memorable day in LS11:

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