JACK LESLIE was awarded an honorary England cap 98 years after being called up to the squad.
Members of Leslie’s family were presented with the cap and a certificate ahead of kick-off against Ukraine.
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Leslie, who died in 1988, would have been the first black player to represent the Three Lions following his call-up in 1925.
But he was disgracefully deselected and denied an appearance when due to the colour of his skin after selectors discovered his heritage.
Leslie never got the chance to play for his country.
The honourary cap was given prior to the Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley to recognise “true trailblazer” Leslie’s “contribution to the game and wider society, and to right a historical wrong”.
In a statement, The FA said: “This should never have happened.”
Viv Anderson, England’s first black international, was pitchside to present the award alongside FA chair Debbie Hewitt, with the governing body also donating to the Jack Leslie Campaign.
Leslie’s granddaughters, Lyn Davies and Gillian Carter, said: “What happened to him nearly a century ago is a burden he carried through his life with the dignity and grace he had as a human being and a footballer.
“This means so much to the whole family.
“Granddad never shouted or complained but he knew he should have been capped and now, at last, he is.”
Leslie was born in Canning Town, East London in 1901 and after a spell with Barking Town, spent the rest of his career with Plymouth.
The inside-left scored 137 goals in 400 appearances for the Pilgrims between 1921 and 1934.
In 2020, The Sun reported on a campaign launched to build a statue for Leslie.
The bronze bust would be erected at Plymouth’s Home Park stadium.
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