Stanley Matthews spent 24 calendar years as an England player ( 1934 -- 1957 ) .
Stanley Matthews played no games during the World War II years of 1940 to 1945 inclusive , nor in 1936 , 1946 or 1952 .
Stanley Matthews spent 24 calendar years as an England player ( 1934 -- 1957 ) but played no games during the World War II years of 1940 to 1945 inclusive , nor in 1936 , 1946 or 1952 .