22 Facts About Matthew Upson

Matthew James Upson was born on 18 April 1979 and is an English former professional footballer who played as a centre back.

Matthew Upson struggled to force his way into the first team at Highbury making 57 appearances in 6 seasons and spent time out on loan at Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Reading.

Matthew Upson joined Birmingham City in 2003 where he enjoyed regular first team football.

Matthew Upson was made captain in 2009 following the departure of Lucas Neill.

Matthew Upson signed a two-year contract with Stoke City in August 2011.

Matthew Upson signed professional forms in April 1996, and made his sole Football League appearance for the team as an 88th-minute substitute against Rotherham United in August 1996.

Matthew Upson suffered a leg injury whilst preparing for the local derby against Aston Villa in April 2006 and subsequently missed the rest of the season as Birmingham City were relegated to the Championship.

Birmingham City's manager Steve Bruce later claimed that he did not want to sell Matthew Upson, but was forced to do so by the club's managing director Karren Brady.

Matthew Upson joined Stoke City on a two-year contract on 9 August 2011.

Matthew Upson said that playing in the UEFA Europa League was one of the main reasons he decided to join Stoke.

Matthew Upson was a regular in the Europa League, appearing in all six group matches, but was sent off in the last as Stoke qualified for the round of 32.

On 23 May 2014, Matthew Upson agreed a one-year contract with newly promoted Premier League club Leicester City.

Matthew Upson was released when his contract expired at the end of the season.

On 30 July 2015, Matthew Upson signed for Championship club Milton Keynes Dons on a one-year contract.

Matthew Upson played for England at youth level before being capped twelve times for the under-21 team, for whom he scored two goals.

Matthew Upson won seven full caps while a Birmingham player.

Matthew Upson was named in Fabio Capello's first provisional England squad for the February 2008 friendly against Switzerland at Wembley.

Matthew Upson was named in the starting line-up to partner Rio Ferdinand, winning his eighth England cap more than three years after his last appearance.

Matthew Upson scored his first goal for England on 19 November 2008 in a friendly match against Germany.

Matthew Upson was included in England's squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Matthew Upson was born in Eye, Suffolk, and attended Diss High School in Norfolk.

Matthew Upson has appeared as a football pundit for the BBC's Match of the Day and during their 2018 World Cup and 2022 World Cup coverage.