Alf Ramsey’s England travelled to the 1970 World Cup as defending champions and warmed up for the tournament with a friendly against Columbia in Bogota. England’s visit to Bogota is chiefly remembered for the furore that surrounded the arrest of West Ham legend Bobby Moore. On the pitch, the reigning world champions eased to a 4-0 win. England’s third was a trademark effort from Bobby Charlton, a goal that would turn out to be his last at international level.
Charlton went to three World Cups in the course of a glittering international career and will always be remembered for his contribution to England’s 1966 triumph. He made 106 appearances for England, scoring a record 49 goals. When Gary Lineker ended his career one short of Charlton’s record, he modestly said the great United midfielder was the better player and deserved to keep the record. Charlton scored three goals in England’s 1966 campaign, including a brace against a much-fancied Portugal in the semi-finals.
Charlton is arguably England’s most famous goal scoring midfielder. In Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, the current England team has two players capable of getting goals at any level.
Lampard’s form for Chelsea has established him as one of Europe’s top midfielders. He has scored over 20 goals for the last five seasons, a record any striker would be proud of. Lampard came into his own at international level during Euro 2004, with goals against France, Croatia and Portugal.
Steven Gerrard got off to a great start in South Africa by scoring England’s first goal of the tournament. Gerrard’s stunning strike in England’s second group match against Trinidad and Tobago four years ago resembled the dozens of similar goals he has scored for Liverpool. Like Charlton and Lampard, the Reds midfielder can punish sides who allow him the luxury of time and space outside the box.
Frank Lampard has travelled to South Africa after yet another prolific season for Chelsea in which he scored 27 goals in all competitions. Whereas Lampard will travel to South Africa looking to continue his club form, Gerrard will doubtless see the World Cup as a potential silver lining to a relatively gloomy season at Anfield.
Pundits often put the case for the importance of goals from midfield. England fans will look to Gerrard and Lampard to weigh in with some more goals to propel England to success in South Africa.
