ITV Euro 2024 pundit Joleon Lescott 'lucky' to be alive after car accident which left him with scar

Former Manchester City and England defender Joleon Lescott is part of ITV's punditry lineup for Euro 2024 and made his first studio appearance at the tournament ahead of Saturday's clash between Hungary and Switzerland.

Viewers were quick to notice that the 41-year-old had a large scar across his forehead and hairline with many unaware of the near-fatal incident that caused it.

Aged just five, Lescott was hit by a car as he stepped out into the road outside his primary school in Birmingham, with his distraught mother watching on from inside her own car.

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He was dragged along the road by the car and suffered severe head injuries as a result. Lescott was immediately rushed to hospital and underwent major surgery with his survival in doubt.

However, after numerous operations, he made a remarkable recovery, with the scar a permanent reminder of how fortunate he is to still be alive.

Reflecting on the horrors of that afternoon, Lescott told the Independent: "I was lucky. A lot of people have come off a lot worse than I did. I saw another little boy in hospital who came in without a scratch, but had suffered brain damage after being hit by a wing mirror.

"I have a scar but I have nothing to worry about. I had a major operation straight away and several more over the next few months but I was young and didn't really know too much about what was going on.

"I know there was a time when my mum and dad didn't think it would turn out as good as it has done, put it that way, but thankfully the doctors worked their magic."

He continued: "It was a harder time for my family more than it was for me to be honest, because I was only five years old and I didn't know too much about it. I was in hospital for a few months and it was difficult for my mum, dad and the whole family but I think maybe it helped make us the tight unit we are today.

"We definitely appreciate each other more as a result of what happened and the accident has made me appreciate life a lot more and people with disabilities. I realise that I am one of the fortunate ones."

Of course, Lescott went on to enjoy a successful football career, representing Wolves, Everton, Manchester City, West Brom, Aston Villa and Sunderland, while he also won 26 caps for England.