5 most surprising players to have played for England since 2000

#4 Kieran Richardson

One of the most overhyped English 'prospects' ever

Position: Winger/Fullback

Appearances for England: 8 (2 goals scored)

Current club: Inactive (Free Agent)

One of those who bloomed early in their careers and fizzled out prematurely, Kieran Richardson was one of a long list of youngsters promoted to first-team football by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

He enjoyed his first spell of extended first-team action when he was loaned out to Bryan Robson's West Brom side who completed the great escape from relegation on the last day of the season. He made 36 appearances for United in the following season, scoring 6 goals in the process.

However, his role in the squad was diminished in the following campaign and was part of a group of players named by Sir Alex Ferguson as 'players who could benefit from spending some time in Manchester United's reserve team' following a League Cup defeat to Crewe Alexandra.

His career took a relatively downward spiral from then on, with all of his 8 England appearances coming during the period from 2005 to 2006.

Having scored 2 goals on his International debut, one would have expected much from Richardson in an England kit. However, that proved to be his only start and the only game in which he would score for the English National Team.

Following his departure from Manchester United, he played for Sunderland, Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff City. His last involvement was when he underwent a trial at Granada in La Liga with Nigel Reo-Coker after interest shown in them by former England international, Tony Adams.

Currently 33 and unemployed, Richardson has been linked with moves to Southend United and Coventry City, a far cry from what was expected from the exciting young talent who scored on debut for England and made the cut at Ferguson's Manchester United.