One goal was now required for Gary Lineker to equal Bobby Charlton's record of 49 goals
for his country, and it should have come when England were awarded a penalty against
Brazil (the photo above is during the game) in the penultimate warm-up game at
Wembley in May '92. With the crowd willing him on, Lineker inexplicably tried a Panenka-style
chip down the middle, banking on the goalkeeper diving to one side or the other, but the
keeper stood almost completely still and was able to step to one side and collect the ball.
A further Lineker blank against Finland meant that he was going to have to equal Charlton's
tally at the European Championships themselves but England were, for the second European
Championships in a row, a disaster, partly due to some truly bizarre selections from manager
Taylor. Two goalless draws gave them half a chance if they could beat the hosts Sweden in the
final game but, 2-1 down with 20 minutes left, Taylor decided to take off Lineker - England's
top scorer and at a time when they desperately needed a goal - and bring on former Leicester
team-mate Alan Smith. England couldn't equalise and were eliminated, and the substitution of
Lineker was compared to Alf Ramsey's withdrawal of Bobby Charlton in the 1970 World Cup
quarter-final.
Gary's England career ended with 80 caps, 48 goals and lifelong adoration from
England supporters everywhere. Never a hardman up front, Lineker was nevertheless a
handful for the less cultured defender who not only couldn't stop him getting the chances
through his pace and presence of mind, but also couldn't get the upper hand on him through
temperament. Lineker famously was always cool under pressure and provocation, never
receiving a booking, and just as cool in front of goal.
He was England's most lethal finishersince Jimmy Greaves before him, and twice he took
England to the brink of World Cup glory.For as long as England had Gary Lineker, they
were capable of beating anyone, and anyone would have craved him in their side.
(Matthew Rudd) |