Saddlers rare link with the England squad.

How often, when the England squad is announced for a major World or European tournament, do you see the name of a man who has represented Walsall?

Well that is exactly what has happened with Roy Hodgson announcing his squad for this summers European Championships.

Walsall’s link is the somewhat unexpected appearance of in form Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy.

Ruddy had a short spell at The Banks’ under Paul Merson in 05 from Everton, pulling on the jersey five times in the League One season.

A brief and albeit commonly forgotten link, but a link nonetheless, although it is pleasant to know that a man who once pulled on the Walsall jersey, no matter how briefly, has been chosen to represent England at a major tournament.