Gloucestershire’s Alex Sykes featured in England Veterans’ Over 50’s emphatic 13-1 win over the Republic of Ireland Over 50’s on Sunday.
As a former Three Lions Futsal international, this was not Sykes’ first performance in an England shirt.
Few footballers have the opportunity to captain their country, but Sykes can count himself among them, having previously led the England Futsal national team.
The 52-year-old has spent much of his playing career in Gloucestershire, playing for Forest Green Rovers, Gloucester City, Bishop’s Cleeve and Longlevens AFC.
His time at the Green Devils proved particularly prolific, finding the net more than 70 times. He was equally influential during his spell at Gloucester, where he registered an impressive 60 goals.
An unusual chapter in Sykes’ career saw him take on the dual responsibility of player-manager at Bishop’s Cleeve between 2011 and 2013, eight years before eventually hanging up his boots in 2021.
His position in English football didn’t stop there and certainly Gloucestershire, as he managed another local side Cinderford Town until 2023.
