England’s first two matches in South Africa are unlikely to live long in the memories of most supporters. In the past, England sides have played their part in some thrilling World Cup encounters. Harking back to former glories, here’s a list of some of the most memorable matches of World Cups past, one which Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard are no doubt striving to lengthen in South Africa.
’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 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. Hurst later sealed his hat-trick to make England’s World Cup triumph certain.
’54 England v Belgium, 4-4
The ’54 tournament in Switzerland remains the highest-scoring World Cup, with 140 goals scored in 26 matches. In the quarter-finals, hosts Switzerland took a 3-0 lead over Austria, but the Austrians recovered to win 7-5, and in the group stages, eventual winners West Germany were thrashed 8-3 by Hungary’s ‘Golden Team’, which boasted such legends as Ferenc Puskas and Sandor Kocsis. 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. 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.
