FOOTBALL
Posted on May 27, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on May 27, 2026 10:51 pm Leighton Baines declined the call to play for England in 2010 World Cup.
Leighton Baines did not want to play at World Cup 2010 for England. His former teammates Stephen Warnock and Joleon Lescott have said this on a podcast. The former Everton man had revealed the original story.
Leighton Baines was not included in England squad for 2010 World Cup
England have qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions have won every game in the qualification round. Now, after the club football ends, the World Cup squad will fly to Canada, USA and Mexico.
As per Mirror, back in 2010, England were also in the World Cup. The competition took place in South Africa. Fabio Capello was England’s coach 16 years ago. The Italian manager’s team had to go through a difficult phase in the group stage. They managed to go into the knockout round after having two draws and one win. Ultimately England lost against Germany by a margin of 4-1 in round of 16, as per Transfermarkt.
Stephen Warnock was a defender who was playing for Liverpool at that time. Fabio Capello had selected the former Red. Warnock has said that he could not believe his selection as the back up player for Ashley Cole. He has stated that Everton left back Leighton Baines was prepared to represent England in World Cup. But at the end moment, he had refused the national call-up. The reason was he did not want to move away from his family.
However, Joleon Lescott has shared some different opinion. Though he has agreed on the fact that former Toffees footballplayer, Baines was ready to go to South Africa. But he was unable to represent England not for his homesickness. The real reason was Fabio Capello did not select him which had shocked Baines.
Key Statistic:
In 15 years, Leighton Baines had played for Everton and Wigan Athletic. During his time, he had produced some brilliant numbers, as per Statmuse.
Games 420
Goals 39
Assists 64
What did Warnock and Lescott speak about their former English teammate?
Stephen Warnock and Joleon Lescott were discussing their World Cup memories. As per Daily Express, Warnock told, “I thought, ‘I’m not going. That’s me done.” When asked about Baines’s absence, Warnock recalled that Baines had told him directly that, “Nah, that ain’t for me.”He further said***, “He didn’t want to be away from home.***“
Lescott said that Baines did not like it at all. The Englishman was almost ready to join Bayern Munich. The German club had also desperately wanted him. He further disclosed that Baines was going to be a part of a proposed swap deal. Spurs’ then-manager reportedly wanted to swap Bale for Baines. The Everton man was in high demand at that time.
What is the real truth about Leighton Baines’ absence?
Leighton Baines was quoted as “homesick”. He had refused the World Cup call to represent England. His family was the main reason. But Baines himself said something different about his exclusion.
Back in 2010, as per Sky sports, the Everton legend revealed that Fabio Capello decided not to select him in the England squad. This decision was purely tactical. He was really disappointed at not getting selected to represent the Three Lions in South Africa. But Baines was not at all homesick. He was not called to the 2010 World Cup. This shocking reason made him feel embarrassed about not getting selected.
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Subhabrata Pal
Subhabrata Pal is a Junior Football Writer at Six Sports, covering developments across domestic and international football. His work focuses on match reports, player performances, and important updates from major football competitions. Through his contributions at Six Sports, Subhabrata writes football news stories, match-focused coverage, and analytical pieces that highlight team performances, standout players, and key moments shaping the sport.
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