England’s last major final: no wingers, hype or hysteria in 1966

When Wembley hosted the World Cup final, my ticket cost 10 shillings and celebrations were formal as the programme notes

The programme cost half a crown, the standing ticket 10 shillings. That was then, the Wembley of twin towers, 30 July 1966, and the World Championship final against West Germany. Billie-Jean King had just won her first Wimbledon, Jack Nicklaus his first Open.

The summer stage on 11 July was clear for football, 20 days for Alf Ramsey’s “wingless wonders” to prove their manager right in front of 93,000. It seems another age and was, free of hype and hysteria. This is only Europe on Sunday night but Gareth Southgate suggests the same courage of conviction in his team selections and substitutions.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3k5v5mL