Adams, Tony Alexander (1966– )

English footballer. A tall, commanding, central defender renowned for his determination and leadership qualities, he played 66 times for England, 13 as captain. He played for Arsenal since joining as a schoolboy, and made over 650 full first-team appearances. He made his league debut in 1983 at the age of 17, and five years later he became the club's youngest-ever captain.

Career highlights

International appearances (1987–2000) 66 (5 goals)

English League Championship 1989, 1991, 1998, 2002

English FA Cup 1993, 1998, 2002

English League Cup 1987, 1993

European Cup Winners' Cup 1994

Awards

Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year 1987

He represented England at youth, under-21, and B-International level, before making his senior debut in 1987. He first captained England in 1994, and led the team which reached the semi-finals of the 1996 European Championships. He also holds the record for the most appearances beneath Wembley Stadium's twin towers, having played there 59 times. After retiring as a player, he was appointed manager of Wycombe Wanderers in November 2004, a position he held for a year. In June 2006 he joined Premier League team Portsmouth as their assistant manager.

In 2004 he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.