Yesterday, Coffee House recommended that disappointed English football fans take solace, as always, in memories of
1966. To that end, here’s The Spectator’s review of England’s World Cup victory at the time. These were clearly more innocent times, as evidenced by the closing observation: “whether we win or
not is not a matter for negotiation between heads of states or men in striped pants.”
Their cup runneth over, D.N. Chester, The Spectator, 5 August 1966
Let it be for ever recorded. At 5.15 pm on Saturday July 30 1966, the Swiss referee blew his whistle and England had won the World Cup for the first time, having just beaten West Germany 4-2.
Winning deservedly, in my opinion, for they were the best all-round team in the competition.
Yet the opening game – a goal-less draw with Uruguay – had emphasised all the old doubts.
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