THREE current Worcestershire coaches and officials attended the first ever England Players' Dinner at Lord's.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes, spin bowling coach Norman Gifford and vice-chairman Tim Curtis were all present.

Every living England cricketer across the three formats of the game - including all of the current squad - received an invitation.

The dinner was the brainchild of former England opener Andrew Strauss, who is now director of England cricket.

Wicketkeeper Rhodes played 11 Tests and nine ODIs, spin bowler Gifford 15 Tests and two ODIs and opening batsman Curtis five Tests.

There are 321 surviving England male cricketers and in addition England women cricketers and England disability team members were present.

Rhodes said: "Straussy put it altogether and quite rightly it is an elite club, to represent your country, and he wants to make sure proud traditions and history of former players is passed onto present players.

"It makes it even more of a bigger thing to play for your England that you become an elite club member of the England past and present players.

"People go their separate ways after their playing careers and it was nice to catch up with a few and see what they are doing.

"We are all very lucky to have worn that England cap which is the thing you dream of as a youngster."