Noughties WAGs like Victoria Beckham and Coleen Rooney have been transformed from stiletto-wearing fake tanned cheerleaders to very sophisticated and successful businesswomen

•  Victoria, Coleen and Cheryl are a far cry from their noughties selves 
• READ MORE:  From ‘bimbo’ to billionaire! Female stars who traded off a ditzy image in the noughties  are now VERY successful businesswomen

Companies worth £58million, covers of Vogue and Tatler, and legal documentaries aren’t things that are typically associated with WAGs.

Particularly the 2006 set, who caused headlines and chaos around the world when cheering on England at the world cup. 

Seventeen years ago, the quaint Black Forest town Baden Baden played host to a high-profile assortment of wives and girlfriends – among them Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole and Coleen Rooney – as the national side played their final tournament under Swedish manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.

Alongside Elen Rivas, Carly Zucker, Alex Curran and others, the WAGs made more headlines than the squad they were cheering on.

Some even went as far to blame the WAGS – and their partying antics – for England’s poor performance (the team were knocked out in the quarter-finals).

But nearly two decades later, the women of noughties football are far from the orange-skinned cheerleaders with hair and nail extensions they once were. 

While they were best known for looking pretty and cheering on their men in the noughties, they are now extremely successful in their own right.

Victoria Beckham has a multi-million pound fashion company, multiple Vogue covers and is taken very seriously by the fashion set.

Meanwhile Cheryl is now a West End star and Coleen has her own documentary. 

Elen Rivas – the ex-girlfriend of Frank Lampard – has her own home organisation company and Abbey Clancy has a podcast, and her own TV show….

Vanessa Peroncel, Carly Zucker, Cheryl Tweedy and Victoria Beckham watch England’s ill-fated quarter-final match in July 2006

Vanessa Perroncel, Lisa Roughead, Micheala Henderson-Thynne, Elen Rivas and Carly Zucker are seen in Baden-Baden in 2006

Alex Curran and Carly Zucker and Toni Poole are pictured enjoying a girls’  night out 

Alex Curran (left) and Carly Zucker (right) are seen in Baden Baden

VICTORIA BECKHAM

As half of one of the most famous couples in the world, Victoria Beckham was undoubtedly the Queen of the WAGs while her husband David was captaining the England squad.

During the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Posh Spice was often seen pitchside with fellow popstar Cheryl Cole.

With long extensions in her hair, a lot for fake tan, towering heels and short shorts, the former Spice Girl certainly set the trend for WAG-core.

But just two years later, Victoria launched her own fashion line, which was a world away from the garish colours and brash designs sported by noughties footballer’s wives.

During the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Posh Spice was often seen pitchside with fellow popstar Cheryl Cole 

Victoria has come a long way since her WAG days (left in 2006), she is now a certified fashion icon  (right in October 2022)

Now, in 2023, she is taken extremely seriously within the industry and opts for more demure, often all black, looks.

With an extremely successful fashion line, the former popstar has appeared on numerous Vogue covers and sees the likes of Anna Wintour sitting front row at her shows.

Sarah Bailey, editor of Red who was then deputy editor of US Harper’s Bazaar when Victoria launched her line of 10 dresses told the Guardian the tension in the room was palpable at the time of the launch.  

‘An extraordinary presentation, [and she] was very sweetly nervous and humble. She talked through this collection of dresses with such incredible conviction and you could almost feel hearts and minds being melted as we were sitting there. The progress from there has been meticulous and impressive,’ she said.

The Times called her collection ‘very impressive, accomplished, with not a single dud’ while Vogue added: ‘believe it or not, it’s one of the hottest things going in New York this week’.

In the 15 years since she launched, Kate Middleton, Queen Letizia, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid are just a handful of the A-listers that have sported her designs.

So involved is she in the fashion world that she hung up her microphone and didn’t  join the Spice Girls on their reunion tour in 2018.

David and Victoria are also friendly with the royal family – going to both William and Kate’s and Harry and Meghan’s weddings. 

Vanessa Peroncel, Brooklyn Beckham, Carly Zucker, Cheryl Tweedy and Victoria Beckham celebrate an England goal

Wow! The designer was among the wives and girlfriends who descended on Germany during the tournament, drawing attention away from the team (Victoria and David pictured in 2006)

Both David and Victoria have seen their style evolve. Left in 2006, right last month

Victoria is now considered a certified fashion icon – with a best-selling compnay 

COLEEN ROONEY

Coleen McLoughlin was just a school girl when she was shot into the spotlight dating England wonderkid Wayne Rooney.

The duo began dating when they were 16 – fresh from the sporting ace’s Everton signing – and the football world’s youngest WAG soon became a tabloid favourite, with her conversation-sparking style choices hitting headlines. 

In her early days of stardom, Coleen, now 37, became famed for her Juicy Couture tracksuits, garish gowns and huge hair – making her a pioneer of the WAG look –  she was cruelly dubbed ‘a chav’ by vile critics. 

At the time, she hit back, saying: ‘I haven’t set out to be famous, but I’m beginning to feel like I can’t win. I’m not the person the newspapers think I am…

Coleen McLoughlin was just a school girl when she was shot into the spotlight dating England wonderkid Wayne Rooney 

Wow! Coleen featured as the cover star for September’s issue of Vogue UK to discuss her legal war with Rebekah Vardy 

 Bold babe: Like every self-respecting glamorous Liverpool lady, Coleen is a huge fan of Aintree Races and attends annually in an array of bold ensembles (pictured in (L-R) April 2008 and April 2009)

Coleen and Victoria have both completely transformed themselves (pictured in 2006)

 Statement style: A teen Coleen is seen dripping in Missoni – including a poncho and matching beanie – during an outing in Manchester (pictured in November 2004, aged 18)

‘And there’s all this hype, but I didn’t seek it. And I don’t understand that chav label. I don’t know what it’s supposed to mean. When you see someone in the paper, it’s so different to real life, isn’t it?’

However fast forward nearly two decades and the Vogue cover girl has reimagined herself entirely as she has swapped bright looks and sports luxe ensembles for bang on-trend get-ups – particularly her recent Wagatha Christie courtroom style.

Uggs were having their day while Mukluk Boots were essentials to be worn with a Juicy tracksuit alongside Balenciaga’s City Bag – all looks Coleen ensured were in her teen, WAG in-training look-book to earn her title.  

When she was seen out and about in her native Liverpool, she was often seen heading to her favourite boutique Cricket. 

In 2003, aged just 16, Coleen was seen in her school uniform heading out of the shop with a vast and distinguishable paper bag from the luxury fashion retailer. 

Memories: Coleen Rooney has shared a rare photo of herself and her husband Wayne Rooney taken on his 18th birthday in October 2003

Blast from the past: In a promotional video ahead of the publication of her book My Account on Thursday, the WAG has shared a series of images from her ‘lucky’ childhood 

New book: The TV personality hopes to ‘tell her side of the story’ in the upcoming autobiography

In 2005, The Guardian branded Cricket ‘an unofficial footballers’ wives’ headquarters’ as a host of photographers would camp outside to catch a look at WAGS including Coleen, Alex Gerrard and Abbey Clancy. 

Hot on the heels of her ‘Cricket’ days, Coleen and Wayne were headed to the altar.  

Coleen and Wayne married in 2008 in a lavish ceremony in Italy, when they were both 22 and went on to welcome four sons Kai, 13, Klay, 10, Kit, seven, and Cass, five. 

Aged just 20, the stunner was pictured alongside Victoria at the Beckhams’ Pre-World Cup Party in Hertfordshire in May 2006.

Coleen opted for a blue strapless gown with a diamond necklace and her hair piled high in a sky-high bun to up the bright-eyed glamour. 

The same summer, she was part of the army of WAGs who occupied more headlines than their husbands in Baden Baden. 

Coleen McLoughlin , Elen Rives, then girlfriend of Frank Lampard, Lisa Roughead,  girlfriend of Michael Carrick and Carly Zucker then girlfriend  of Joe Cole, enjoy a ride with roller coaster Silverstar at the Europapark in Rust

Stylish: Coleen’s style grew increasingly finessed as her time in the spotlight continued – with this proven when she went to war with fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy

Hero: In October 2019, Coleen took to Twitter to reveal one of her followers on her private Instagram account was leaking her stories to The Sun

Out and about: Due to an injury, she had her foot in a moonboot for the duration of the case however took the hindrance in her stride as she paired the look with a singular Gucci loafer alongside a number of chic looks

My guy: She was supported by husband Wayne at court where she wowed in chic looks paired with designer accents such as a Chanel bag and Yves Saint Laurent belt

Colleen channeled WAG chic in 2006 at a pre-world cup party 

Coleen (pictured with Micheala Henderson-Thynne) enjoyed water parks while in Baden Baden

The three most famous WAGs in 2005 were Cheryl, Coleen and Victoria – who are all enjoying a comeback 

Wayne and Coleen have both reinvented their styles (right at the laucnh of their documentary)

Coleen looked sophiscated in all white at the premiee of her Disney Plus documentary

Rubbing shoulders with Victoria, Cheryl Cole, Elen Rivas and more, she opted for muted ensembles in neutral tones – worlds away from her Juicy.

Coleen’s style grew increasingly finessed as her time in the spotlight continued – with this proven when she went to war with fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy.

In October 2019, Coleen took to Twitter to reveal one of her followers on her private Instagram account was leaking her stories to The Sun.

She explained that after an arduous investigation she had concluded Jamie Vardy’s wife Rebekah was to blame for intrusions – leading to the Wagatha Christie case.

The duo went to court in a heated battle for defamation, with legal bills hitting a reported £500,000 each before Coleen proved victorious.

During the court case last year, Coleen nailed her style icon status as she sashayed into court in a series of muted yet elegant ensembles.

Due to an injury, she had her foot in a moonboot for the duration of the case however took the hindrance in her stride as she paired the look with a singular Gucci loafer alongside a number of chic looks.

She was supported by husband Wayne at court where she wowed in chic looks paired with designer accents such as a Chanel bag and Yves Saint Laurent belt.

In the wake of the court case, she scored the coveted cover spot on Vogue UK’s September issue – in which she stated: ‘It’s my story to tell’.

ABBEY CLANCY 

Liverpudlian stunner Abbey Clancy  found fame as a lingerie model before marrying Peter Crouch.

She starred in the second series of Britain’s Next Top Model, placing as a runner-up, and then got gigs covering dozens of Lads Mags throughout the noughties.

But now Liverpudlian Clancy has ditched the Cricket for a wardrobe full of  Bottega Veneta and Alaïa – and traded FHM for Tatler.

Now, Abbey spends her days in her Surrey mansion looking after children Sophia, 12, Liberty, 8, Johnny, 5, Jack, 4.

She’s even graced the pages of society magazine Tatler, and started a new passion project, interior design.

Liverpudlian stunner Abbey Clancy found fame as a lingerie model before marrying Peter Crouch

She starred in the second series of Britain’s Next Top Model, placing as a runner-up, and then got gigs covering dozens of Lads Mags throughout the noughties

Abbey Clancy is pictured with Alex Curran in 2006

Her circle even includes Prince William. 

‘He’s just normal really, totally lovely,’ she told the society bible.

William isn’t the only aristocrat Abbey is pally with. 

In her new series, she’s  Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes – dubbed a posh British version of MTV cribs – the WAG heads into the homes of the Marchioness of Bath at Longleat and Jodie Kidd at her 17th century Surrey cottage.

Abbey is also among the favourites to step up and fill Holly Willoughby’s shoes on This Morning.

New role? Abbey Clancy (pictured), 37, is among favourites to replace Holly Willoughby, 42, on This Morning after the host announced her departure (pictured on This Morning this month)

But now Liverpudlian Clancy has ditched the Cricket for a wardrobe full of Bottega Veneta and Alaïa – and traded FHM for Tatler

CHERYL 

The most famous WAG in Baden-Baden, after Victoria Beckham, Cheryl was often by Queen VB’s side to cheer on her then-man Ashley Cole.

After finding fame in Girls Aloud, Cheryl went on to have a successful solo career and was a judge on X Factor and the Greatest Dancer.

Skimpy skirts, fake tan and dodgy hair dos were part and parcel or being a noughties pop icon.

Remaining in the public eye for more than 20 years, Cheryl has certainly had her share of ups and downs.

With fledging fame in 2003, Cheryl, then 19, was accused of racially aggravated assault after punching a toilet attendant in a row over paying for sweets left for customers by the sinks. 

Ex: She was previously married to footballer Ashley Cole from 2006 to 2010 (pictured together in 2006)

Throwback: The film would likely document her rise to fame in Girls’ Aloud (L-R) Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle , Cheryl, Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts in 2002

On the big screen: Cheryl is in talks to make a revealing documentary about her life to coincide with her 40th birthday, it’s been reported

Success: The star won plaudits – and earned a reported £1,000 a night – for her three month stint in 2:22 A Ghost Story 

Amogbokpa, then 39, claimed Cheryl grabbed ‘handfuls’ of sweets without leaving any money and screamed racist abuse at her when she tried to prevent her leaving.

She alleged that Cheryl – who’d been partying at the Surrey club with bandmate Nicola Roberts – punched her, knocked her glasses off and left her left eye closed up.

The singer said afterwards: ‘I am really distraught that people are accusing me of racism, it couldn’t be further from the truth…

‘I have a little one-and-a-half year-old cousin who is Caribbean, so the idea I would say something like that is unthinkable. The one thing in this world that I am not is racist and I never will be…

‘Throughout the Popstars: The Rivals series Javine (Hylton, who is black) was my closest friend. That could never have been the case if I was racist, it is a ridiculous suggestion.’

Cheryl admitted calling the toilet attendant a ‘f**king b***h’, but had denied using racist language. She was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm but cleared of any racist element.

The singer has also faced two divorces – from Ashley (who she claims cheated on him with at least four women) and  Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini.

During her divorce she started dating former mentee and One Direction star Liam Payne. The pair, who also split, share son Bear, five.

But now, with her love life out of the spotlight, Cheryl is thriving more than ever.

You never know: She recently hinted at a pop comeback by launching a new company with former Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Adams and Nadine Coyle (left to right: Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Sarah Harding, Cheryl and Nadine Coyle in 2012)

Reunited: Girls Aloud came together last year to honour Sarah Harding at The Primrose Ball, but Cheryl revealed there were no plans for the band to reunite for a tour 

Old friends: The girls were back out in public in September when they attended the London wedding of celebrity publicist Simon Jones

The singer made her acting debut as Jenny in the West End thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story, taking over the leading role from the likes of Lily Allen and Laura Whitmore.

She has since chosen an alternate career path on the London stage, with the star winning plaudits – and earning a reported £1,000 a night – for her three months.

The singer previously played herself in Hollywood movie What To Expect When You’re Expecting and had a small role as a cutthroat music agent in 2020 film Four Kids And It.

She also featured as a judge on BBC show The Greatest Dancer in 2019 – with the show axed in 2020 after two series.

Now, she’s onto more success than ever.   Girls Aloud have finally reunited to release their first single in 11 years, according to reports.

The iconic group – consisting of Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Kimberly Walsh and Nicola Roberts – is working on a music video in tribute to their beloved bandmate Sarah Harding, who passed away from breast cancer in 2021 aged 39.

And where are the rest of the 2006 WAGs now?

Michael Carrick’s wife Lisa Roughead 

The couple have been married since 2007 and are still going strong. They are childhood sweethearts after meeting at school in Wallsend. 

After leaving school Lisa, 37, went on to qualify as a Pilates instructor and also holds a degree in business. 

The couple share two children – daughter, Louise, and son, Jacey and currently live in Middlesbrough after Michael tool on the job of head coach of the EFL Championship club in 2022.  

Michael Carrick’s wife Lisa Roughead. The couple have been married since 2007 and share two children (pictured left in Baden Baden in 2006 and right in 2022)

Paul Robinson’s wife Rebecca Robinson

Rebecca, who was 24 at the time of the 2006 World Cup, was married to England goalkeeper Paul. 

The couple married in 2004 after beginning their romance at school in Yorkshire. 

They split just a few months after their wedding, only to reconcile in 2005. They went on to have two children together – Lucy-May, 19, and Jack, 15.

It’s not known if the couple are still together. Paul now mainly works in the media for Sky Sports and beIN Sports and in 2020 it was reported he was studying for his UEFA coaching badges.

Paul Robinson’s wife Rebecca Robinson. The couple married in 2004 after beginning their romance at school in Yorkshire 

Gary Neville’s wife Emma Hadfield

The couple, who live in central Manchester, have been married since 2007 and share two daughters – Molly, 14, and Sophie, 13. 

They first met in 2004 when Emma was working as a shop assistant. They married in a lavish ceremony at Manchester Cathedral three years later. 

Emma worked as a holistic therapy student in the early days of her relationship with Gary. 

While her husband, a former Manchester United star, has continued to make more than £1m a year for his punditry work for SkySports, Emma has kept a low profile as a philanthropist up until recently.

Last month Emma revealed after her ‘lonely and scary’ journey through early menopause at 41 she has trained as a specialist coach and has launched an online community which has over 7k Instagram followers.

The mother of two qualified as a counsellor in 2019 and has volunteered at Bury Cancer Support Centre for over four years.

Long term love: Gary and Emma Neville have been married since 2007 and share two daughters – Molly, 14, and Sophie, 13 (pictured left in 2006 and right in 2023)

Last month Emma revealed after her ‘lonely and scary’ journey through early menopause at 41 she has trained as a specialist coach (pictured with Gary in 2023)

Jamie Carragher’s wife Nicola Carragher

The childhood sweethearts married in 2005 and are still together after meeting at primary school. 

According to his autobiography, Jamie asked Nicola to marry him twice after his first proposal went wrong thanks to a ring size mishap.

The couple wed at Weston Park on the Staffordshire-Shropshire border and went on to have two children – Mia, 19 and son James, 21. 

Mia is an aspiring singer and trained dancer. James signed a youth contract with Wigan Athletic FC in 2017.

Nicola works as an interior designer with her own studio called Elixir Design which works on projects in both the UK and Ibiza.

Jamie Carragher’s wife Nicola Carragher . The childhood sweethearts married in 2005 and are still together with Nicola working as an interior designer (pictured left in 2006 and right in 2023)

Frank Lampard’s ex fiancée Elen Rivas

Frank started dating Spanish model Elen in 2002, shorting after she moved to the UK to pursue her career. She juggled jobs as a waitress and had a stint in the cloakroom at the famous London nightclub Chinawhite.

She met Frank while working at the Wellington Club in Knightsbridge in 2002 when the footballer was playing for Chelsea.

Shortly before the 2006 World Cup, the couple welcomed their first child – daughter Luna, 17. They also share daughter Isla, 15.

During Elen’s 2007 pregnancy with Isla, Frank was accused of cheating on his fiancée. The couple split in late 2008 by what Elen called ‘mutual agreement’.

Elen is the founder of The Body Clinic, a London skincare specialist which offers ‘aesthetic device treatments’.

Frank meanwhile shares two young children with his wife, Loose Women star Christine Lampard, who he married in 2015.

Footballer ex: Frank Lampard’s ex fiancée Elen Rivas. The exes share two daughters an ( pictured left in Baden Baden in 2006 and right in 2023)

Joe Cole’s wife Carly Zucker

Player turned pundit Joe and model Carly have been together for over 20 years, tying the know in a romantic London Chelsea ceremony in 2009.

At their time of their marriage, Carly had made a name for herself in her own right, starring in the 2008 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here. 

The London-born beauty has also modelled for fashion and fitness magazines and qualified as a personal trainer.

Two years after marrying they welcomed their first child – daughter Ruby, 12. Carly later revealed that the pressures of dealing with a newborn child nearly caused the couple to split.

The couple stayed together though, later welcoming sons Harrison, nine, and Max, seven. 

Joe Cole married model, fitness trainer and reality TV star Carly Zucker in 2009 (pictured in 2014)

Stewart Downing’s girlfriend Michaela Henderson-Thynne 

Middlesbrough player Stewart dated Michaela from 2003 to 2007. 

During their relationship she starred in ITV2 reality show Wags Boutique in which two tears of WAGs ran two rival fashion boutiques.

Despite the success of the first series in 2007 peaking at almost 2m viewers , second series plans were scrapped after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen Rooney

Queen of the WAGs: The wife of Wayne Rooney has revealed secrets from the 2006 World Cup in her new book (pictured left in Baden Baden and right in October 2023)

The couple’s 20-year relationship has famously had its ups and downs, from meeting as teenagers to becoming parent’s of four, amid Wayne’s notorious brothel visits and escort scandal. 

They met when they were just aged 12, but didn’t start dating until they were both aged 16. 

Speaking about their teenage romance, Wayne says in their documentary ‘Rooney’: ‘I think when I was about 11 or 12 I knew that I wanted to marry her, and I said that to her at the time. I said ‘when we grow up we’re going to get married and you’re going to have our kids’. She was looking at me like ‘yeah good one!” 

They went on to marry in a lavish ceremony in Portofino in 2008. 

Wayne and Coleen Rooney’s 20-year relationship has famously had its ups and downs, from meeting as teenagers to becoming parent’s of four

Coleen first launched a career for herself when she began writing for Closer Magazine, in a column titled Welcome to My World. 

In 2006, the WAG worked alongside Sir Trevor McDonald in a documentary about Rett syndrome, to highlight her late sister Rosie’s battle and two years later, she fronted her own TV show names Coleen’s Real Women, where she pitted ‘normal women’ against models for jobs. 

In 2007, she broke into publishing and released an autobiography titled Welcome to My World. The WAG went on to write four more books as part of a fashion series named Coleen Style Queen.

In 2011, Coleen launched her first ever fashion range that she helped design herself – and it’s more affordable than her usual boutique favourites.

Coleen went on to secure a bedding range with BHS, launch her own perfume and sign a £3 million fashion deal with George at ASDA.

Her Wagatha Christie court case with rival Rebekah Vardy spawned a Disney+ documentary this year, with her newly-released autobiography following. 

Wayne is the currently the manager of EFL Championship club Birmingham City

Steven Gerrard’s wife Alex Curran. The couple married in 2007, they share four children. They currently reside in Saudi

Steven Gerrard’s wife Alex Curran

Former nail technician Alex, 40, met Steven in 2002. Before Gerrard, Alex dated soap star Jennifer Ellison’s ex Tony Richardson, while Gerrard was dating Ellison herself.

Atsome point, the couples ended up with each other’s partners, withGerrard and Curran staying together and marrying in June 2007.

The Liverpool lovebirds share four children – Lilly, 18, Lexie 16, Lourdes 10 and five-year-old son Leo. 

They currently reside in Saudi for Steven’s job as manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.

Alex wrote a weekly column for the Daily Mirror, titled Go Shopping With Alex Curran. 

John Terry’s wife Toni Poole

The childhood sweethearts started dating at school. Speaking to the Sun about their relationship, Toni said John was earning just £48 as a Chelsea apprenticeship when they first met.

‘We hit it off straight away and I thought he was very nice. I had no idea he was a footballer to start with until I began seeing him on the TV.

‘We started going out for dinners. I would always pay because he didn’t have much money. He would come and pick me up in his tiny, blue ­Citroën Saxo. It was a simple life,’ she said.

They married at Blenheim Palace in June 2007 and in May 2006 Toni gave birth to twins Georgie John and Summer Rose.

Toni is a professional dressage rider after taking up the sport in 2008 at the height of John’s career and his cheating scandal, which saw him have an affair with model Vanessa Perroncel, the ex of his former teammate Wayne Bridge. 

Although she’d ridden horses as a child, Toni only decided to take it up again in 2008 and took lessons from former Olympic rider and 16 times British champion Vicki Thompson.

In 2010 she represented England in the sport.  

John Terry’s wife Toni Poole . The childhood sweethearts married at Blenheim Palace in June 2007. In May 2006 Toni gave birth to twins Georgie John and Summer Rose

Alongside Coleen, Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole were also part of the 2006 WAG brigade.

The glamorous wives and girlfriends famously commanded the spotlight during the tournament, garnering more attention than their player husbands who actually took to the pitch in Germany.

Last year Victoria’s wife David and his close friend Gary Neville remarked on the influence of their WAGs at that time in a chat on Neville’s YouTube channel. 

Reflecting on the decision to have the footballer’s families take centre stage during that World Cup, David admitted he was never against having the loved ones support them at the tournament.

He said: ‘I think there was attention on them. I always believed as an England captain, having wives and girlfriends and the kids around wasn’t a bad thing. 

‘Once you’re in a training camp, you’re in training camp, you have to focus, but I think at the start of a tournament, it’s not a bad thing.’

Icons: Alongside Coleen, Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham were also part of the 2006 WAG brigade 

But the sportsman, who was captain of the Three Lions for the tournament which saw them crash out in the quarter-finals after losing a penalty shootout against Portugal, confessed the obsession with the WAGs did go ‘too far.’

He said: ‘Looking back, that whole culture – there was a lot of attention around that and whether people behaved themselves in the right manner, I don’t know.

‘Even Victoria – she’s the first to say now – what was I doing, what was I wearing, why would I do that? It did [go too far]. 

‘There was more spoken about the WAGs than football. at the time, players want to focus on the tournament. It went too far, but I do believe having the WAGs and family around is a good thing.’

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