Alf Ramsey’s England travelled to the 1970 World Cup as defending champions and warmed up for the tournament with a friendly against Columbia in Bogota. The visit has become associated with the controversial arrest of England’s captain Bobby Moore, an event that nearly triggered a minor diplomatic incident. From a footballing point of view, the trip was a successful one as England beat Columbia 4-0. England’s third was a trademark effort from Bobby Charlton, a goal that would turn out to be his last at international level.
Charlton played at three World Cup finals and will always be remembered for his role in England’s 1966 success. He made 106 appearances for England, scoring a record 49 goals. When Gary Lineker ended his career one short of Charlton’s record, he modestly said the great United midfielder was the better player and deserved to keep the record. He helped England reach the final with three crucial goals, including his famous wonder strike against Mexico.
Charlton, then, is remembered fondly for his ability to score goals from midfield. In Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, the current England team has two players capable of getting goals at any level.
Lampard’s form for Chelsea has established him as one of Europe’s top midfielders. He has scored over 20 goals for the last five seasons, a record any striker would be proud of. Lampard announced his arrival on the international stage with three goals during Euro 2004.
Steven Gerrard is another player who has a habit of scoring great goals. Gerrard’s stunning strike in England’s second group match against Trinidad and Tobago four years ago resembled the dozens of similar goals he has scored for Liverpool. Like Charlton and Lampard, the Reds midfielder can punish sides who allow him the luxury of time and space outside the box.
With 27 goals in all competitions, double-winner Lampard has again been in prolific form this season. Whereas Lampard will travel to South Africa looking to continue his club form, Gerrard will doubtless see the World Cup as a potential silver lining to a relatively gloomy season at Anfield.
Pundits often put the case for the importance of goals from midfield. The contribution of England’s attacking midfielders could make the difference between success and failure.
