Three Lion's luck has changed

A 1-0 victory for England over co-hosts Ukraine saw them qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 as group winners.

However, the main talking point from the game was an incident which saw a Marko Devic effort cross the line before John Terry scrambled the ball away.

As I write this article I realise that the most famous day in English football history is still largely remembered for the controversial decision that saw a Geoff Hurst strike incorrectly stand.

Alf Ramsey’s side went on to lift the World Cup in 1966 and it is of course a distinct possibility that had Hurst’s effort been ruled out then England would not have been crowned champions.

It would seem however, that the Three Lions have been paying for that stroke of luck ever since.

The 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico between England and Argentina is remembered for two moments, but for very different reasons. This game saw Diego Maradona score what has since been voted the goal of the Century as he made a mockery of six English players before tucking away the winner.

Prior to that moment of magic however, was one of the most controversial moments in footballing history.

5ft 5” Maradona jumped for an aerial challenge with stopper Peter Shilton and instead of heading the ball punched it into an empty net – the goal stood.

The World Cup in France 1998 saw England meet Argentina again, this time at the second round stage.  Sol Campbell scored a perfectly legal header to put Glenn Hoddle’s outfit 3-2 ahead only to see it ruled out for an alleged foul from an inactive Alan Shearer.

Most recently, an England – Germany encounter in the 2010 South Africa World Cup saw Frank Lampard’s superb lob not given although replay’s proved that it was clearly over the line.

With all of the above in mind, surely it is about time that England found themselves on the receiving end of some good fortune in a major tournament?

Captain and man of the match Steven Gerrard is hoping that his side don’t have to wait another 46 years to strike lucky again in a major tournament.

He said: “You don’t do well in these competitions without a bit of luck, it doesn’t matter how good you are. Let’s hope we get a bit more.”

Gary Maiden

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