International Career
Lennon was called up to the England U-21 team team for the first time in October 2005 and on 8 May 2006, he was picked in England's 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, despite being only 19 years of age and uncapped at senior level.
He was named Man of the match in the England B match with Belarus on 25 May 2006 in England's World Cup warm-up match at the Madejski Stadium in Reading, Berkshire, which ultimately England B lost 2–1. He made his full England debut as a second-half substitute in the 6–0 win over Jamaica on 2 June.
Lennon came on as a substitute for England in their second group stage game of World Cup 2006 (his first World Cup finals appearance) against Trinidad and Tobago. England scored twice following his and Wayne Rooney's arrival on the field, winning the game 2–0. There were some suggestions amongst fans for him to replace David Beckham on the right side of midfield. Lennon then played in the quarter-final match against Portugal, coming on as a substitute for the injured Beckham. Lennon was then himself substituted for Jamie Carragher immediately prior to a penalty shootout, in which England lost.
Lennon also came on as a substitute against Andorra during a UEFA Euro qualifier and made an instant impact by assisting Peter Crouch's second goal after receiving the ball for the first time.
Lennon made his first start for England against Israel in a UEFA Euro qualifier on 24 March 2007 and four days later, he was again selected in the first XI against Andorra. This proved to be Lennon's last appearance for exactly two years as it wasn't until 28 March 2009 that he was selected again by England, starting in a friendly match with Slovakia at Wembley Stadium. Lennon started again for England when they played Ukraine on 1 April 2009 at Wembley Stadium, although Lennon was substituted in both games for Beckham.
He was called up for the friendly against Slovenia and the World Cup qualifier versus Croatia, following his fine form for Tottenham, and was named Nationwide Man of the Match for the 5–1 win over Croatia.
Lennon made it into the final 23-man squad with England for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Lennon started for England in the opening two fixtures in England's World Cup campaign; in the 1–1 between the USA and in the 0–0 draw with Algeria.
Read more about this topic: Aaron Lennon
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“In time your relatives will come to accept the idea that a career is as important to you as your family. Of course, in time the polar ice cap will melt.”
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