57 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Bobby Charlton
England v Mexico
England 1966 | Group 1
Wembley Stadium, London
The weather was pleasant in ‘The Big Smoke’. England’s display was dull. A limp 0-0 draw with Uruguay in their opener left Alf Ramsey’s men requiring victory over Mexico to palliate pressure and maintain hope.
The skies were grey this time, but the performance was glistening. Bobby Charlton kick-started the Three Lions’ charge to a 2-0 victory with a beauty. Collecting possession inside his own half, he roamed forward, craftily side-stepped Gustavo Pena, and thundered the ball home from 25 yards.
Thirty years later, ahead of England’s hosting of UEFA EURO 1996, Charlton’s goal against Mexico inspired the lyrics “Bobby belting the ball” in Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home). The hit by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and The Lightning Seeds hit number one on the UK Singles Chart and became an anthem for the England national team.
The upcoming edition will be the first World Cup since the Manchester United legend’s passing, though a player nicknamed in his honour could be there – one born around 9,000 kilometres away from England! After Endrick, at the age of 17 years and 246 days, became the youngest-ever player to score at Wembley, the Brazil attacker revealed he grew up idolising Charlton. He has been known as ‘Bobby’ ever since.
