England warmed up for the 1970 World Cup with a match against Columbia in Bogotá. The team’s time in Columbia is now remembered for Bobby Moore’s controversial arrest, which nearly sparked a minor diplomatic incident. From a footballing point of view, the trip was a successful one as England beat Columbia 4-0. Bobby Charlton scored England’s third with a rasping effort from outside the area, and this trademark effort would prove to be Charlton’s last at international level.
Charlton went to three World Cups in the course of a glittering international career and will always be remembered for his contribution to England’s 1966 triumph. 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. Charlton scored three goals in England’s 1966 campaign, including a brace against a much-fancied Portugal in the semi-finals.
The ability to score goals from midfield is a defining characteristic of Charlton’s career. In Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, the current England team has two players capable of getting goals at any level.
Chelsea’s Frank Lampard boasts a remarkable record at club level. He has scored over 20 goals for the last five seasons, a record any striker would be proud of. Lampard came into his own at international level during Euro 2004, with goals against France, Croatia and Portugal.
Steven Gerrard is another player who has a habit of scoring great goals. Gerrard’s long-range strike against Trinidad and Tobago four years ago was a mirror image of 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. England fans will look to Gerrard and Lampard to weigh in with some more goals to propel England to success in South Africa.
