Sharp was promoted to the FIFA list of match officials on 1 January 1997. His progression, internationally, was exceptional being appointed to hold the flag in the opening game of his first senior tournament, the year 2000 European Championship and the semi-final of that tournament. In the 2002 FIFA World Cup Sharp was appointed to five games in total, including the Croatia v Italy match and the final between Germany and Brazil. As such he was England's second successive match official at a Final match, Mark Warren having been the Assistant Referee at the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final.