The term 'WAGs' was coined by the Mirror's 3am girls ahead of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, referring to the England team's Wives and Girlfriends. While David Beckham and his teammates were eliminated on penalties, the WAGs were hailed as the ultimate party winners. Coleen Rooney, Alex Curran, Victoria Beckham, and Cheryl Cole became, as former England captain Rio Ferdinand put it, 'bigger superstars than the players.' They partied across wine bars, clubs, and restaurants in Baden-Baden, a serene spa town in Germany's Black Forest.
The Birth of the WAG Phenomenon
In the BBC documentary 'England 2006: The Lost Generation,' Ferdinand admitted: 'Baden-Baden was an absolute shambles.' England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney described 'absolute mayhem' during nights out, with huge bar bills making headlines. Covering both the WAGs and the tournament for the Mirror, there were surreal moments where pop superstars mingled with football icons.
Unforgettable Nights in Baden-Baden
Gary Neville's late father, Neville Neville, joined the fun at the Italian restaurant Garibaldi's, where the bar bill exceeded £3,000. He led a singalong with a replica World Cup trophy, inspiring the Mirror headline: 'Neville Neville in Baden-Baden.' Coleen Rooney's relatives arrived from Liverpool, and she discussed her latest catalogue deal. Jamie Carragher's family reportedly booked into digs dubbed the 'House of Scouse,' and one tabloid journalist was thrown into a nearby river.
WAGs Then and Now
Alex Curran expressed displeasure with her star rating in a newspaper, joking she was 'at least an eight.' Under Gareth Southgate and now Thomas Tuchel, the FA hosts family days where children and grandparents join players for morale-boosting visits. The new generation of WAGs—influencers, interior designers, models, actors, and marketing experts—are as likely to hold degrees in public relations or sports management as they are to have a record deal. Victoria Beckham 'buried her boobs in Baden-Baden,' according to ex-Mirror 3am girl Clemmie Moodie.
Modern Family Approach
The late Sven-Göran Eriksson's former partner Nancy Dell'Olio said the WAGs 'tried to keep a low profile'—a claim that seems debatable. In the modern era, Southgate introduced a welcoming policy for players' families at major tournaments, which will be crucial in the US, Mexico, and Canada, with players leaving in early June for friendlies in Miami and the final not until July 19. Many families have grown close through previous tournaments.
Key WAGs Heading to the US
- Megan Pickford, wife of Jordan Pickford, is in regular contact with Harry Maguire's wife Fern.
- Bukayo Saka's girlfriend Tolami Benson and Chelsea captain Reece James's partner Mia McClenaghan are likely heading to the US this summer.
- Father's Day falls on June 21, the day before England faces Ghana in a crucial Group L game at Gillette Stadium.
- Interior designer Ellie Alderson will cheer on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins; the couple have two children.
- Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon and his childhood sweetheart Annie Keating welcomed a baby boy in November 2022.
- West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen and his wife Dani Dyer had twin girls in 2023.
- Jude Bellingham's Dutch model partner Laura Celia Valk has featured in top brand shoots.
- Katie Goodland, married to captain Harry Kane, is expected to travel with their four children.
- Arsenal star Ebere Eze, a World Cup debutant, married Izuthe Mulatto three years ago; she is likely to attend games alongside Tolami, a media and PR graduate.
Reflections from the Past
Daphne Cohen, wife of England's 1966 hero George Cohen, noted that the wives were 'invisible beings' back then. After a gala dinner for the World Cup-winning side, the Cohens drove home for a drink with friends. In an interview before the Qatar World Cup, Daphne promised 'wonderful, wonderful' times for today's WAGs, especially if they lift the trophy once more.
