England’s players and supporters would probably rather forget the first two matches of the campaign in South Africa. 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 got off to a bad start at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, losing their first match to Portugal followed by their captain Bryan Robson to 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 Robson stuck with Lineker, and the prolific marksman repaid this faith with a devastating first-half hat-trick. Delight turned into delirium in Monterrey as Lineker grabbed his third after just 34 pulsating minutes.
’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. England recovered from going a goal down to take the lead, only for the West Germans to equalise 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
The ’54 tournament in Switzerland remains the highest-scoring World Cup, with 140 goals scored in 26 matches. Famously, in the group stages West Germany were soundly beaten 8-3 by Hungary’s ‘Golden Team’ that boasted the prolific Sandor Kocsis and the great Ferenc Puskas, only to then go on to defeat the Hungarians 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. A last-second own goal from Portsmouth defender Jimmy Dickinson put paid to England’s hopes of coming away with all two points and levelled the scores at 4-4. This encounter with Belgium was just one of numerous memorable encounters in this World Cup that has gone down in history for its remarkable scorelines and great comebacks.
