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. However, over the years, the Three Lions have contributed to some thrilling matches at World Cup Finals. In a bid to evoke some fonder memories of past achievements, here’s a list of some of the most memorable matches, one which Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard will be looking to help England 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 Bobby Robson kept faith in Lineker, and his decision paid dividends as the prolific marksman weighed in with a devastating first-half hat-trick. Lineker’s third goal after just 34 minutes sent England’s fans into raptures and they were roused into a spontaneous conga line in the sparsely populated stands 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. Hurst completed his hat-trick to seal England’s first, and only, 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. 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. Walter Winterbottom’s side played out an eight-goal thriller against Belgium after Ivor Broadis and Nat Lofthouse had put England 3-1 up. 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.
