The former captain of the Australian Socceroos first represented his country in October 1996 when he played a friendly game against Saudia Arabia. He then played in the 1997 FIFA U20 World Cup (at the time known as the World Youth Championship) and went on to play for the U23 squad the Olyroos that represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Men’s Football tournament.

Lucas’ other notable football achievements include playing for the Socceroos in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup where he captained the side. He further represented Australia at the 2007 and 2011 AFC Asian Cups.

Lucas grew up on the Northern Beaches and started playing football in 1985 at Wakehurst Tigers Football Club in the under 7 Leopards.

He began his professional career in England in 1996 with Millwall and in 2001, made his first-grade debut in the English Premier League with Blackburn Rovers. During his career he also played for West Ham United, Everton, Galatasaray, Al Jazira, Al Wasl, Sydney FC, Omilya Ardija, Watford and Doncaster Rovers.

Lucas played a remarkable total of 96 matches for Australia over his career, 61 of those as captain. He retired from international football in 2014.