The former Arsenal midfielder made 10 appearances for England but believes if VAR technology had been in use during his playing days, things could have been different because his one and only international goal was ruled to have not crossed the line.

Reflecting on the moment in question, which came during England’s 2000 World Cup qualifier against Finland, he told FourFourTwo magazine: “This match was the closest I would ever come to scoring for England.

“Listen, I actually did score – it was one of those Frank Lampard ones where it hit the bar and came down over the line, but wasn’t given.

“There was no VAR or goal-line technology then. That might have pushed me on to play the next England game and help cement my place in the team.

“Not to point fingers, but the linesman might have cost me a few caps.

“I’m proud of my England career – I got 10 caps during a very tough era, up against a lot of brilliant competition and some great players – but who knows if I could have done more?”

One game in which Ray did score was Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea in 2002 and he admitted it was one of the “best days” he ever had.

He said: “Growing up in my house, the FA Cup final was everything.

“It was the biggest game of the year and one of the only live games you could watch on TV at the time.

“My parents were really into it and I’d sit with them and my brothers every year.

“For me to play in those games was massive for my whole family.

“I’d played in the 1993 final against Sheffield Wednesday, which we won in a replay, but in the 2002 final I scored a nice curling goal too.

“Scoring in an FA Cup final and winning the trophy is everything you dreamed of as a kid.

“One of the best days I’ve ever had.