In 1966 England hosted the FIFA World Cup. To the huge relief of the nation they went on to claim victory, winning 4-2 in extra time against West Germany.
Now, 40 years on BBC commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme’s famous statement “they think it’s all over…it is now” is still replayed regularly on the television – and rightfully is fondly remembered. English football fans still talk about Geoff Hurst’s final goal, the one that finished the Germans off.
Now with the World Cup finals approaching once again I can’t help but wonder what will happen if England win again? Will I be reading articles about it 40 years from now?
It seems that England winning the Rugby World Cup only three years ago has faded from memory, yet 1966 is still talked about and remembered.
If England are to win the World Cup this year they would win it in the back yard of their biggest rivals. They may have to do it with their best player, Wayne Rooney, injured and they could end up with the hopes of a nation resting on another teenager, Theo Walcott.
English football fans and media pundits can get a little carried away at times. I only realised this week that Theo Walcott has his own fansite already, and he hasn’t played for Arsenal, never mind England! You have to admit – its slightly ridiculous!
My point is I’m sick of hearing about England’s great World Cup victory. Therefore if England do go on to win the World Cup in Germany myself, along with every other football fan from other countries in the UK, will have to endure another 40 year’s punishment!
This year I have decided to shout for the underdog - Serbia and Montenegro perhaps - simply because if they win England won’t and my dilema is solved!
About this article
This article was written by Brian Smyth. It was published on the Reach for the Sky website.
