Ashton Wins First England Cap

Dean Ashton won his first England cap tonight after starting against Trinidad & Tobago. The Alex legend started in the 3-0 win before being taken off at half time by Fabio Capello.

It was a long wait for Deano, who two years ago broke his ankle in training days before he was set to make his first England start. After a year in recovery and another year finding match fitness, Ashton can now join the long list of former Crewe players to have represented England. From Stan Bowles to David Platt, right up to Seth Johnson and Danny Murphy.

Playing in a deep role, Ashton did fail to get on the scoresheet despite the lowly opposition - though you could pin some blame on the ever selfish Jermain Defoe, who'd sooner embarrass himself than pass to a team mate. Deano's best chance came from a deep Beckham cross which Ashton couldn't quite volley in.

Had he scored though, it'd have been special for more than the obvious reasons. Facing Ashton in the Trinidad & Tobago nets was another Alex legend & a former team mate of Ashton's in Clayton Ince. The big keeper who put his international career on hold for so long whilst at the Alex was making his 65th appearance for his country.

So well done to Deano, marking a perfect way to end what must have been a torturous time in his career . We can only hope he did enough to remain in Fabio Capello's future plans.



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