Just imagine how brilliant it would be if England formed an official 'legends' team.

Well, that's fast becoming a real possibility after the Football Association (FA) received an invitation to get veteran players together for regular matches against other countries.

It has become commonplace for retired footballers to return to the pitch for charity matches, while we all fondly remember the Masters Football that once graced Sky Sports.

There are few finer examples than this summer's 1999 Treble reunion game, which saw an almost sell-out Old Trafford watch Manchester United and Bayern Munich legends slug it out.

However, anything in the sporting world that keeps taking place more regularly and attracts tens of thousands of fans is bound to become better organised and synchronised.

Legends football matches

And in regards to 'legends' national teams, Germany and Italy have paved the way by forming official teams this year equipped with their own coaches and physios.

Organised by their respective national governing bodies, 'Azzurri Legends' and 'DFB All-star' will lock horns for the first time in October 7 and there is hope for even more spin-off matches.

The Italy team will feature a number of 2006 World Cup winners with Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso and Francesco Totti all drafted.

England may form 'legends' team

Meanwhile, the German outfit will deploy the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann, Thomas Berthold, Guido Buchwald, Uwe Bein, Thomas Helmer, Torsten Frings and Jens Nowotny.

The idea for regular games is the brainchild of Antonio Cabrini, who was part of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning team and manages a charity focused on education.

So, Premier League fans will have to keep their fingers crossed that England accept the invitation and the FA construct a format similar to that found on the continent.

The Three Lions already have a Masters team that regularly competes in tournaments, yet it still lacks the FA involvement and 11-a-side experience to raise it to that extra level.

If nothing else, it would have supporters salivating about the idea of players like David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard reuniting in the famous white jersey.

Besides, some huge names have represented England beyond their retirement in the past, meaning that some of the finest former stars could compete.

Players who have taken part in the past include: Paul Scholes, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne, Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham.