G. Southgate might yet remember the day more than 40 years later, as well as every English supporter of his contemporaries. With his body turned to the side and the ball being run over him before he could throw it, Brian Robson became the hero of the play and everyone else’s as well.
Against France, England had him up 1-0 with twenty-seven seconds left. Robson added a second goal in the second half with a spectacular leap and header, giving England a 3-1 victory. Their world championship in 1982 was well underway.
The childhood remembrance
Southgate Robson was an inspiration to countless kids in England. The same boots were on him. That day, Southgate drove home to see the French match, arriving in time to witness Robson’s illustrious opening strike. Everything was amazing for the impressive 11-year-old Southgate because he was a fan of Manchester United growing up.
Robson joined the club in 1981. His first world championship was a vivid memory. When the sportsman had to support Scotland in 1978 final because England didn’t make the tournament, he vaguely remembers pumping his slips and all that.
But the story didn’t start until 1982, during his 1st actual World Cup. Kevin Keegan and Trevor Brookings used to lose to Spain in England’s second group stage, but the game ended in a 0-0 draw. He was devastated.
The new age and new victories
Without dropping the match, they left for home. It’s strange to consider that this will be the first competition match between countries since 1982 as Southgate and England get ready to play France in the World Cup match in Al Khor, north of Qatar.
They have only ever faced off in a World Cup match, and England won 2-0 to advance to the championship in that match’s group stage in 1966. Another game in France is a possibility for Southgate. Low-key and emotionless, but crucial when it comes to visiting England.
Now, England is entering the quarterfinals with a changed side – not just in terms of personnel, but also content with themselves and their system. With a 3-0 victory over Senegal in the round of 16, confidence was at an all-time high.
