After what might be described, at best, as two fairly forgettable matches, there might be some value in England fans reminding themselves of more halcyon days. In the past, England sides have played their part in some thrilling World Cup encounters. Here’s a handful of some the most memorable matches, a list which current England players Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney will hope to help add to this time around.
’86 England v Poland, 3-0
England had to endure a torrid start in Mexico when Ray Wilkins picked a suspension and Bryan Robson a tournament-ending injury. They went into the final group game with Poland in need of a result and, having failed to score against Portugal and Morocco, it looked as though Bobby Robson might drop Everton striker Gary Lineker. But Bobby Robson stuck to his guns and kept faith with Lineker, who duly tore Poland apart with a devastating hat-trick. The striker’s third after just 34 exhilarating minutes sent England’s fans into raptures in Monterrey.
’66 England v W Germany, 4-2
Fondly remembered for Kenneth Wolstenholme’s classic sound bite, Nobby Stiles’ false teeth and, of course, Bobby Moore lifting the iconic Jules Rimet Trophy, the final in 1966 was a match brimming with great goals and memorable incident. Goals from Martin Peters and Hurst helped England recover from going a goal down, but West Germans equalised in the dying minutes. Cue extra-time and ‘that goal’. Having lost his marker with a neat turn, Geoff Hurst’s shot from the edge of the six-yard box bounced off the underside of the bar and was adjudged to have crossed the line. The West Ham striker went on to complete his hat-trick, sealing the Three Lions’ first ever World Cup triumph.
’54 England v Belgium, 4-4
With an average of more than 5 goals a game, the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland is the highest-scoring World Cup in history, and is likely to remain so. Notably, the West Germans recovered from an 8-3 humiliation at the hands of Hungary’s ‘Golden Team’ to beat the Hungarians, including the prolific Sandor Kocsis and footballing great Ferenc Puskas 3-2 in the final. England were not exempt from the goal-scoring frenzy and were left stunned as opponents Belgium came back to earn a draw after having been 3-1 down. An own goal from Portsmouth defender Jimmy Dickinson in the dying minutes levelled the scores at 4-4. The match is one of a number of amazing matches in this World Cup famous for comebacks and goal-laden scorelines.
