| Although known for his long and loyal service to Everton as captain and centre back, Dave Watson came to international prominence when a Norwich City player, elegant and hardworking alongside Steve Bruce; two players who only truly fulfilled their potential once each had left for bigger things. Watson was one of a number of form centre backs who was tried by Bobby Robson as a partner for Terry Butcher in the mid-1980s, making his debut against Brazil in the Maracana in 1984 and helping England keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win famous for a certain John Barnes goal at the other end. Watson was in and out for the next 18 months, as Robson tried Terry Fenwick, Alvin Martin and Mark Wright alongside Butcher as England comfortably qualified for the 1986 World Cup. Watson and Wright were the unfortunate odd men out when Robson made his choice, and Dave would not get close to a World Cup finals again. He consoled himself during the summer of 1986 with a big move back to his native Merseyside to join Everton, where his form over the first two seasons prompted Robson to recall him for four friendlies in 1988, a decision made necessary once a broken leg had ruled Butcher out of the forthcoming European Championship finals. Watson made the squad for Germany but not the team, with Wright and Tony Adams getting the nod as England lost to the Republic of Ireland and Holland. Dave finally made his first and only appearance in a major finals when England played for pride against the USSR in the final group game, but pride was not forthcoming as they lost 3-1. Watson never played for his country again and was, in truth, only selected as one of a number of youthful centre backs who were worthy of a trial as Butcher's previous partners from the early 1980s started to leave the scene. With hindsight, Watson's brief international career was down to Robson's belief that he was a competent centre back and worth a look, but ultimately Butcher, Wright and Adams were all better options. (Matthew Rudd) |