LUTON, England (AP) — England almost had a 24-man squad departing for the World Cup on Sunday.

As the country’s footballers prepared to board a flight to Miami for two pre-World Cup friendlies ahead of the tournament in Brazil, a familiar — if non-sporting — face mingled among the 23 players.

It was British actor Simon Brodkin, a BBC comedy star, who wore an identical gray suit to the players and also brandished a passport.

Captain Steven Gerrard appeared to spot Brodkin first, and members of security and local police then intervened.

However, the Daily Telegraph newspaper said Brodkin had actually approached Gerrard to complain about not being included in the England squad. Brodkin’s onscreen characters include the “Premier League Footballer.”

Brodkin was spoken to by a police officer before leaving the area.

In April 2013, Brodkin got a six-month conditional caution after warming up with the Manchester City team ahead of a match against Everton at Goodison Park the previous month.

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