IT'S an age-old dilemma that will be sparked in Irish households around Britain this week. To support England in Brazil this summer or not?
As Roy Hodgson’s men prepare to get their campaign underway this weekend, we asked readers who grew up in Britain for their favourite memories of England in the World Cup.
But be warned, they aren’t all positive. And a certain infamous goal from Diego Maradona may well make an appearance…
England win the World Cup in 1966:
In case you forgot, England won the World Cup on home soil back in ‘66.
“My best memory is of 1966 of course. I was seventeen at the time and it was great. We had the Beatles and the World Cup. I just wish they would get over it and stop bringing it up every time the tournament comes around.” – Bernie Butler
Gordon Banks’ save; England v Brazil in ‘70:
Long-revered as the greatest save in history, football fans remain in awe of how Gordon Banks kept out Pele’s header in the 1970 World Cup.
More than four decades later, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper says it’s still the “only” moment from his career that people talk about.
“My best memory is of the Brazil v England game at the 1970 World Cup. That save from Gordon Banks was a very special moment.” – Steve Neary
The Hand of God; England v Argentina in ‘86:
Four years after the Falklands War, England and Argentina took to the field in Mexico City for the quarter final of the 1986 World Cup.
It was a match with a significance that went far beyond sport and it’s best remembered for one of the most controversial goals ever scored.
“My best memory of England at the World Cup was when Maradona put them out with his "hand of God" goal. I really do despise them.” – Sean Doyle
Maradona’s second goal; England v Argentina in ’86:
There was more to that match than that infamous incident, though. Maradona would later score one of the greatest goals in footballing history before England clawed one back and tried in vain to equalise in the dying minutes.
“My best memory is a largely positive one or England’s match against Argentina in the 1986 World Cup.
“While England fans tend to remember the "Hand of God" goal by Diego Maradona, what often gets overlooked is the other goal he scored; one of the finest individual goals I have ever seen in over thirty years of playing and watching the game.
“And then for England, inspired by John Barnes and Gary Lineker, to claw their way back into the match and almost equalise very late on, made for a superlative game of football. Two sides at the peak of their powers giving their all. It was pure theatre.” – Tom Conniffe
Ireland – England in ‘90:
As if written by fate, Ireland would play England in the first match of their first ever World Cup. And they didn’t disappoint, grabbing a 1 – 1 draw thanks to the powerful left boot of Everton legend Kevin Sheedy that put Ireland on a path that took them all the way to the quarter-finals.
“My best memory of England in the World Cup would be when they played against the Republic of Ireland in 1990.
“Me and my brother watched the match at The White Stag in Leeds. The place was packed with supporters from both sides the sun was out and a great match and a great time with no trouble from anyone just a great night.” – John Rooney
David Platt’s goal; England v Belgium in ‘90:
David Platt may have scored a fair few goals in his time. But none are remembered better than his volley in the final minute of extra time against Belgium in 1990, which took England through to the quarter-finals.
“I’m a Villa fan, so my best memory is of David Platt coming on as sub and scoring that amazing goal against Belgium in Italia 1990. He was the only Villa player in the squad and he didn’t half make his mark that year!” – Andy Cummins
England v Cameroon in ‘90:
Despite being heavy favourites to beat Cameroon and make the semi-finals, England looked like they would be following Ireland out of the 1990 World Cup at the quarter final stage.
But a late penalty in normal time would see them level the scores at 2-2 and get a second chance in extra time. It would make all the difference, as another penalty made them 3-2 winners.
“This might be an odd choice, but I always remember England being 2-1 down to Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup. It felt like the world was about to implode or some new social order was to be imposed on us all.
“The footballing gods were about to punish English hubris. How dare they assume they were going to win. Then England equalised with a penalty.
“My younger brother was cheering England on that day. I was devastated when England scored a third. Cameroon played in green and so did Ireland. Just for a minute when you looked at the screen it seemed…” – Martin Davis
England v Argentina in ‘98:
It was a game of many memories. Such was the drama of Michael Owen’s incredible individual goal and David Beckham’s sending off, that few remember the penalties missed by Paul Ince and David Batty that saw England eliminated at the last-16 in 1998.
“My most vivid memory is of France ‘98, watching the England v Argentina game in a local village hall. It was the first time I properly understood the passion & love that the English have for football.
“Seeing men of my father’s age crying when England were knocked out on penalties by Argentina made me truly realise not only how seriously the game is taken here, but also how fiercely patriotic the English are.” – Paddy O’Neill
David Beckham’s penalty; England v Argentina in ’02:
It was sweet revenge for David Beckham four years later, however. His penalty took England to a 1- 0 victory against Argentina in the group stages of the 2002 World Cup, a result that would later see his country’s old enemy dumped out in the group stages.
“My best memory would probably be Beckham scoring the penalty against Argentina in 2002. I was too young to properly remember the Owen goal from ’98 and there hasn't been much else to cheer since then!” – Chris Gallagher
England v Brazil in ’02:
It all ended in horror for England that year though. Their fans dared to hope when Michael Owen put them 1-0 up against Brazil in the quarter-finals.
But it was not to be, as midfield legend Ronaldinho broke English hearts by lobbing David Seaman from 40 yards.
“Brazil knocking them out in 2002 is my best memory of England at the World Cup. We had a half day off school to watch it and my household was the only one supporting Brazil!” – Ciara O’Leary
