Play-off agony, England honors and Leeds United players with Wembley experience

Stepping out under the Wembley Arch will be a new experience for most people associated with Leeds United, with the club having only played at the famous stadium once since it was rebuilt.

While the Whites have a proud history, their only appearance at the national stadium came in a forgettable 1-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers in 2008, something Daniel Farke and company will be looking to put right next Sunday when they they will face Southampton in this match. the final of the year’s championship play-off.

Leeds showed they were back to their best in their 4-0 semi-final second leg win over Norwich City, but playing on the Wembley turf can have a strange effect on the players. So as they prepare for the big day, how many of the current squad have experience of the hallowed turf? Here’s who has seen it all before.

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Sam Byram

The defender played for West Ham at Wembley – but not in a final. He was in the Hammers squad for a Carabao Cup game at Tottenham in 2017. Spurs used the stadium while their new ground was being built.

Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu

The Welsh duo both played for Wales in a friendly against England in October 2020. However, as the game took place during Covid restrictions, no fans were allowed inside the stadium.

Patrick Bamford

The experienced striker had mixed emotions at Wembley, earning his only England cap at the stadium against him when he started against Andorra in a 4-0 win in September 2021. However, he also went through the final throes of play-off, losing to Norwich. City while with Middlesbrough in 2015.

Dan James

Wideman James was on the losing side when Manchester United faced Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final in 2020. The Welshman started the game but saw Chelsea go 3-0 up before Bruno Fernandes’ late consolation.

Connor Roberts

As well as playing with compatriots Ampadu and Rodon for Wales against England, Roberts has final play-off experience with Swansea City. The versatile star started against Brentford in 2021 but the Bees ran out 2-0 winners.