The number ten jersey is traditionally associated with the sort of player who combines skill in possession with game-changing vision and an imagination of approach. In Wayne Rooney, the current England side has a forward who looks to be cast in the same mould as Premier League legends who have made this shirt number their own, such as Dennis Bergkamp and Gianfranco Zola. As the narrative of England’s World Cup story has unfolded since 1950, great number tens, such as Gary Lineker and Geoff Hurst have emerged as some its chief and most heroic protagonists.
An integral part of Alf Ramsey’s World Cup-winning side, hatrick-hero Geoff Hurst is perhaps the most famous England number ten. Hurst’s second goal in the final against West Germany forms part of English football fans’ collective consciousness. Hurst scored 24 times in 49 appearances for England and, remarkably, the World Cup Final was just his eighth cap. He is fondly remembered by England and West Ham fans for his industriousness and potent aerial ability.
Former Everton and Tottenham striker Gary Lineker was never renowned for his aerial ability, but the popular striker will always be remembered for his stellar performances during the 1986 and 1990 World Cup Finals. Lineker remains the Three Lions’ record World Cup goalscorer, with 10 goals in 12 finals appearances, including a remarkable – and vital – 37-minute hat-trick against Poland.
But Hurst and Lineker were not perhaps creative players in the way Zola and Bergkamp were, despite their prolific records. In Wayne Rooney, England manager Fabio Capello has at his disposal a player more than happy to be either goal poacher or goal maker. With 34 goals in all competitions, his club form for Manchester United this season was scintillating. More of England’s World Cup goals have been scored by players wearing ten than any other shirt number, and England fans will hope that Rooney can reproduce his glittering club form and emulate the achievements of Lineker and Hurst in South Africa.
Tags: Gary Lineker, Geoff Hurst, Wayne Rooney