Albion’s three England internationals have won five caps between them – but the first almost didn’t happen…

February 25, 1925: England surprised many by calling up Albion striker Tommy Cook from the third division to face Wales at the Vetch Field but the game was in doubt due to bad weather. In the end, it took place on a pitch described as “deplorable” and England won 2-1 with goals from Frank Roberts of Manchester City. Cuckfield-born Cook, who played cricket for Sussex, set up the first goal by committing the keeper.

May 31, 1980: Peter Ward got on for the last eight minutes as England beat Australia 2-1 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, replacing fellow debutant Alan Sunderland. Neither man was to ever win a second cap. Paul Mariner and Glenn Hoddle scored in the first half as England helped the Aussies celebrate their centenary.

February 23, 1982: Seagulls skipper Steve Foster won his first cap at centre-back as England beat Northern Ireland 4-0 at Wembley in the Home Internationals through Bryan Robson, Kevin Keegan, Ray Wilkins and Glenn Hoddle. Battering ram Billy Hamilton led the Irish attack and their side also included left-back Sammy Nelson, who was an Albion player at the time.

May, 25, 1982: Foster’s second cap was in a 2-0 friendly win over the Netherlands ahead of the 1982 World Cup finals. He found himself up against Wim Kieft and saw goals from Tony Woodcock and Paul Mariner secure the Wembley win.

June 25, 1982: Third cap, third win, third clean sheet. Foster helped England to an unconvincing 1-0 success over Kuwait at the old San Mames in Bilbao at the 1982 World Cup. Trevor Francis scored in what was the final group fixture with England already through to the second stage.