England played Columbia in Bogota to warm up for the 1970 World Cup Finals. The visit has become associated with the controversial arrest of England’s captain Bobby Moore, an event that nearly triggered a minor diplomatic incident. In a footballing sense alone, the visit was a success with England running out 4-nil winners. England’s third was a trademark effort from Bobby Charlton, a goal that would turn out to be his 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. He helped England reach the final with three crucial goals, including his famous wonder strike against Mexico.
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.
Lampard’s record for Chelsea really is something to write home about. He has scored over 20 goals for the last five seasons, a record any striker would be proud of. England fans will hope Lampard can recapture the sparkling form he showed during Euro 2004, when he put in some star performances and scored three goals.
With his goal against the USA in England’s opening group match, Steven Gerrard has already demonstrated his goal scoring ability in South Africa. 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.
Frank Lampard enjoyed yet another prolific season for Chelsea, scoring 27 times in all competitions. 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.
