For this episode, we continue our
interview series with Mr. Davey Naylor ofhttps://englandstats.com/as we discuss the matches of the England National
Team during the 1984/85 season.
For any questions/comments,
you may contact us:
You may also contact me on
this blog, on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.
This is the tenth episode of
my podcast with Mr. Paul Whittle of https://the1888letter.com/,
@1888letter.
For this episode, we continue our
interview series with Mr. Davey Naylor ofhttps://englandstats.com/as we discuss the matches of the England National
Team during the 1983/84 season.
For any questions/comments,
you may contact us:
You may also contact me on
this blog, on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.
This
is the fifth episode of my podcast with Mr. Paul Whittle of https://the1888letter.com/, @1888letter.
For this episode, we start a new interview series with Mr.
Davey Naylor ofhttps://englandstats.com/
as we discuss the matches of the England National Team for the 1982/83 season.
We will continue these series semi-regularly in
future episodes.
As
a fan of the game I have always found it intriguing how different Nations view
the same Tournament or event through a different lens.
A
prime example is the romanticism the English hold with the 1990 World Cup in
Italy.
This
view has been exemplified in much of the English-based Football Literature of
this World Cup, as well as the many England Football (Soccer) podcasts since.
These
views are in clear contrast to much of the (non-English) critics, observers and
fans alike who, at the time, largely regarded this World Cup in negative terms.
The
common reasons voiced by the critics’ included:the general defensive nature of the matches including some
dreadful matches (Uruguay v. South Korea, Republic of Ireland v. Egypt,
Argentina v. Yugoslavia, to name a few), the number of penalty kick shoot-outs
(including both semifinals), the hard physical displays by some teams
(Bilardo’s Argentina) and all topped off with a Final match that was resolved
(appropriately by its critics) with a penalty kick.
It
is fair to counter that the Public and Press of Nations such as Brazil, Soviet
Union and Holland would view this World Cup in negative terms due to their own
disappointing performances, while the Italian hosts will always remember the
heartbreak of losing in a semifinal on home soil (not to mention France who did
not even qualify). As for Argentina, they often point (rightly or wrongly) to
the injustice suffered at the hands of an alleged biased Referee in the Final.
However,
none of the above are the first things that come to mind for the average
English fan.
The
English remember it as the summer of ‘Gazza’ (Paul Gascoigne). They remember it
as the introduction of David Platt and Des Walker on the global stage. They remember
the heroic displays as the English had to fight through one overtime over
another in the knock-out stages. They remember Platt’s overhead kick in the
last minute vs. Belgium. They remember Gary Lineker’s resurgence as England’s
goalscorer when it mattered. They see it as an honorable conclusion for the
much-maligned England Manager and Gentleman of the Game Bobby Robson, as well
as a fitting end for older heroes such as Shilton, Butcher and Bryan Robson.
Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 41, June 1992
(England
squad 1990 World Cup)
The
stark contrasts listed require further analysis as to why the English have an
indelible memory of this Tournament.
The
first player that comes to mind who symbolized this team’s journey is
Gascoigne. He was already tabloid fodder in England, but largely unknown to the
rest of the World. Tottenham Hotspur’s Gascoigne would bring much needed energy
and youthful exuberance to the side. His humor and upbeat personality seemed to
infect the squad as well as the public. Unbelievable to think, that his mere
presence at the World Cup was not a guarantee until late on. He had famously
earned his ticket for the World Cup after his virtuoso performance in the
friendly vs. Czechoslovakia (4-2 win on April 25th) after he had a
hand in three of the goals and scored the fourth himself.
There
are moments that encapsulate the event for the English and Paul Gascoigne’s
tears was the most memorable one. Upon being booked in the semifinal match vs.
West Germany, he knew instantly that he would be suspended should England reach
the Final. His tears brought out the human element in the game that still lives
in any England’s fan’s memories.
Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 24, January 1991
(Paul
Gascoigne)
Along
with Gascoigne another young player would make the most of his opportunity.
Aston Villa’s David Platt would step in with great effect after an injury to
Captain Bryan Robson early in the Tournament.
In
addition to Gascoigne’s tears, Platt’s overhead kick goal vs. Belgium was
another unforgettable moment that is referenced to this day.
Nottingham
Forest defender Des Walker was also another relative unknown to the World
stage, who also made everyone notice with his displays in defense.
After
the World Cup, all three would be on top of the wanted list of most top clubs
(especially in Italy).
The
English fans of today also look back with pride in the fight-back element in
England’s performances. Their matches in the knockout rounds all went into
overtime and England had to grind their way to victories. Platt’s
aforementioned goal vs. Belgium was followed by a memorable come from behind
win over underdogs Cameroon. Some pundits listed that encounter as the match of
the Tournament. In another memorable moment in that match, England defender
Mark Wright played the match with his head bandaged up reminiscent of Terry
Butcher’s performance vs. Sweden in a World Cup qualifier just in the previous
September.
In
the semifinals, objectively the West Germans were a better side but once more
England gave a fair account of themselves and clawed their way back to force a
tie with a wonderful strike from Gary Lineker.
The
drama of the loss in a penalty kick shoot-out (in addition to Gazza’s tears)
only made the English fan to back this team even more.
It
must be remembered that this had been England’s best performance in a World Cup
since the victory in 1966.
Another
reason that this World Cup is set apart in the English memories is that this
performance by an English side appeared to signal a sense of renewal for the
fortunes of the National Team on the World stage as well as English Football in
general after previous disappointments.
To
put in context the state of England’s Football prior to this World Cup, we must
go back to the 80s and the negativity surrounding the game on and off the
pitch.
The
tragedies of Heysel and Bradford and finally Hillsborough (just a year before
the World Cup) had seriously tarnished the image of the English game.
The
English clubs were still banned from European Competitions and the only
connection with foreign football, were the handful of players who were plying
their trade in foreign leagues (as well as those who had resorted to join
Rangers Glasgow just to be able to face European competition).
The
matters on the field were no better. The 1988 Euros had been a complete fiasco
with England losing all its matches.
This
English side’s displays and the support shown on the terraces brought much
goodwill and made much headway to dispel the image of the English Hooligan.
The
sense of optimism was furthered as the European ban on English clubs was to end
in that Fall (except for Liverpool) and they could now compete in the European
club competitions.
Coincidentally,
this World Cup took place just two years before the launch of the English
Premier League. The proximity of these events also gives a sense of rebirth and
Nostalgia to the fans.
While
many in the World lamented at the lack of quality and entertainment, those in
the British Isles saw a new star(s) being born, old heroes ending their run on
a high and an honorable defeat against a worthy opponent.
They
could hold their head high and dream of future glories.
Most
fans’ favorite World Cup usually tends to be the first one they followed. This
World Cup captured the hearts of many English fans that were adolescent and/or
in their early teens at the time. These same fans are now in their 30s and 40s
and can only look back with Nostalgia to this World Cup.
Some
have even joined the ranks of Journalism and punditry class and their memories
are reflected in print and in today’s podcasts.
Many
in the press were predicting a “Brave New Dawn” for the National Team after
this World Cup. Gascoigne and Platt were to be leading the charge towards this
bright future. Graham Taylor was appointed to lead this mission, but that is
another story……
Former
Ipswich Manager Bobby Robson took charge as England Boss following the 1982
World Cup. His first brief was to qualification to the Finals of 1984 Euros to
be held in France.
At
the end of his first season (1982/83), in the summer of 1983, England were to
embark on a Tour of Australia following the Annual Home Championship.
England
were to play three matches against the hosts in the space of a week.
This
Tour would have allowed Robson to experiment different options just ahead of
the upcoming season (1983/84) in line for the Euros qualification.
However,
events would force Robson to proceed with players that perhaps were not yet
ready for the Senior National Team.
Many
of the English clubs were to go on Tours of their own and did not release their
players for International duty.
Photo
From: Panini England 1981/82
(England
Manager Bobby Robson)
As
a result, players such as Captain Bryan Robson, Ray Wilkins, Steve Coppell (all
Manchester United), Alvin Martin, Alan Devosnhire (both West Ham United), Gary
Mabbutt, Graham Roberts, Glenn Hoddle (all Tottenham Hotspur), Kenny Sansom,
Graham Rix, Tony Woodcock (all Arsenal), Paul Mariner (Ipswich) and Peter Withe
(Aston Villa)
would be missing from the squad.
Some
Internationals were able to join the squad from their ongoing club Tours.
Watford
duo John Barnes and Luther Blissett flew in straight from their club’s trip in
China to join the squad.
In
Bryan Robson’s absence, veteran goalkeeper Peter Shilton would captain the side
on the Tour. Phil Neal and Trevor Francis would be the only veterans in an
otherwise mostly young squad.
Photo
From: World Soccer, August 1983
(Trevor
Francis in Australia)
Bobby
Robson would be forced to call upon many uncapped players or players with few
caps between them.
The
uncapped players included Aston Villa goalkeeper Nigel Spink, defenders: Danny
Thomas (Coventry), Derek Statham (WBA), Midfielders: Steven Williams
(Southampton), Nick Pickering (Sunderland), Mark Barham (Norwich) and striker
Paul Walsh (Luton).
QPR
midfielder John Gregory was at the age of 29, the oldest of the new contingent.
He had made his debut earlier in the year.
Likewise,
Aston Villa midfielder Gordon Cowans and Watford’s front pairing of John Barnes
and Luther Blisset had only been introduced to International Football that
season.
All
the unavailabilities made observers question the benefits of such a Tour with
an essentially B-squad.
Photo
From: Official Match programme, England V Denmark, 1983
(Paul
Walsh and Gordon Cowans in Australia)
The
first match of the Tour took place on June 12th at Sydney’s Cricket
Ground.
The
last encounter between the Nations had been in 1980; when an under-strength
English squad had traveled to Sydney to determine the last places in England’s
1980 Euros Finals squad.
Stand-in
Yugoslavian Manager Frank Arok managed the unfancied Australians, in the
absence of their full-time West German Manager Ladislav ‘Les’ Scheinflug. Arok
was himself Manager of local side Saint George FC.
The
Australians were a very inexperienced side with four players (Terry Greedy,
Charlie Yankos, Graham Jennings and Jim Cant) about to make their debuts and
Steve O’Connor and Joe Watson earning only their second caps.
The
English Press had dismissed the Australians as well; one paper described them
as “part-time dole queuers, teachers and window cleaners”.
For
Robson and the English a victory appeared a foregone conclusion and Robson had
even predicted a six-goal difference between the teams.
When
asked to comment on this, Arok had responded, “If Mr. Robson says they’ll win
by six, he must be right. He is after all, a celebrated coach and he should
know”.
Robson’s
starting lineup would contain four then-uncapped players: Danny Thomas, Steve
Williams, Mark Barham and John Gregory. Second Half Substitute Paul Walsh would
also go on to make his debut for England.
Shilton
and Francis, and to a lesser extent Butcher provided the experience for this
experimental England squad.
Photo
From: Soccer Action, June 15, 1983
(Team
captains Peter Shilton and John Kosmina, June 12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
Photo
From: Official Match programme, England V Denmark, 1983
(England
squad, June 12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
It
would turn out to be a poor scoreless match as the intent of the Australians
was clear from the start. Arok lined up a defensive formation with five players
at the back (a sweeper behind four defenders).
His
tactic was to block the English Fullbacks’ crosses from the flanks.
There
were few chances and neither goalkeeper was significantly tested and were
mostly busy receiving backpasses.
Shilton
did make two saves from Cant and Watson just before and after halftime.
England’s
best chances were from a Francis shot and a John Gregory header in the 83rd
minute.
Photo
From: Shoot, July 16, 1983
(June
12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
England
also had a penalty appeal turned down when Terry Butcher appeared to be fouled
in the box.
England
had nine attempts on goal compared to Australia’s three and also earned more
corners (6 to 1).
Luther
Blisset had been disappointing for England and would be dropped for the second
match. As far as the England newcomers, Mark Barham earned some praise.
The
mood of the match was summed up in the last few minutes, when the traveling
England fans shouted, “what a load of rubbish”.
Photo
From: Shoot, July 16, 1983
(June
12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
In
the end both sets of fans appeared to jeer at the lack of entertainment on
display. Though, the Australian players appeared more satisfied with the draw.
Afterwards
Robson stated, ”we should have been able to break their defensive barrier but,
unfortunately, we had too many players who did very little’”. He continued, “It
was a disappointing spectacle for the public. My sympathy lies with them…both
teams are to blame…. Australia was out to get a result but the way they played
was not an advertisement for the sport…sure it was up to us to breakdown the
Australian defense, but we couldn’t do it”.
Photo
From: Soccer Action, June 15, 1983
(June
12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
As
far as the newcomers, Robson said, “they all did quite well”. He described
Danny Thomas as “frisk and sharp and he combined his defensive duties with good
attacking play”.
He
also laid some of the blame on the integration of new players by saying, “I
hope we can get better. Perhaps our performance had something to do with having
four new men in the team”.
English
FA Secretary, Ted Croker refused to criticize the Australians and their clear
objective, he nevertheless felt that it would have been better for the crowd to
see a number of goals. Just like Robson, he emphasized the number of newcomers
and their need to adjust to the squad.
Croker also excused Blisset’s poor performance on jet lag after having
joined the squad late on.
Crocker
likened the match to the recent FA cup Final between Brighton and Manchester
United, where the smaller team (Brighton) had held United and earned a replay
but Manchester United’s superior class had won out in the end in the replay.
Australia
Manager Arok was unrepentant about his tactics and described his side’s display
as ‘fantastic’ and placed the burden of winning and entertaining on England.
The
second match took place three days later on June 15th at Brisbane’s
Lang Park.
There
had been some controversy ahead of this match. In one of England’s training
sessions, Australia Manager Frank Arok and some of his assistants had been
spotted observing the session. Robson had immediately asked for their
departure.
Arok
described the incident as, “the greatest compliment I’ve ever received, not
being allowed to watch them train.”
Later
in that evening, he went on his own to watch England train.
He
was questioned again by journalists about the incident and he replied,
“Gentlemen, I simply took my part-time dole queuers, teachers and window
cleaners to watch the great England side train. I wanted them to learn…by the
way, we train at 10 AM tomorrow and you’re all invited, including Mr. Robson and
his players”. The assembled English Journalists all laughed.
For
this second match, Liverpool duo of Phil Neal and Sammy Lee were available for
selection. Like Watford’s duo (Blisset/Barmes), they had also joined the
England Tour party straight from their club Tour.
Neal
would start in his customary right-back position ahead of Thomas.
Williams
was out of the starting lineup, with Barham moving in his position.
Blisset
was also off as Robson chose to partner Francis with Paul Walsh.
After
appearing as a substitute in the first match, Walsh was making his proper debut
as a starter for England.
For
Australia, Frank Arok kept faith with the same starting lineup as the first
match.
England
showed improvement in this match with Neal joining in the attacks from runs on
the right flank. He almost scored just before halftime, but O’Connor cleared
his attempt off the line.
The
Australians themselves had chances as well. They had started the match better
and could have scored twice (through Jim Cant and Allan Davidson) before
England took control of the match.
Kosmina
was the pick of the bunch for the Australians and kept Butcher busy the entire
evening.
England
were forced to make a change as early as the 21st minute, when
left-back Derek Statham’s was forced off due to a knee injury after a tackle by
Joe Watson.
Steve
Williams would come in his place, however, Robson chose not replace him in the
same position, but instead moved him up in midfield. This gave England four
midfielders vs. Australia’s three.
Paul
Walsh would score England’s winner in the 57th minute with a
controversial goal.
Mark
Barham’s cross from the right side was about to be cleared by Allan Davidson
before Butcher slid into him. The foul was not called on the action and the
ball had clearly exited on the left side touchline before John Gregory pulled
it back for Walsh to score. Despite the Australian protests the goal stood.
Photo
From: Shoot, July 16, 1983
(Sequence
of the England goal, June 15, 1983, Australia 0-England 1)
After
the match, Arok stated, “there was little difference between the sides and
we’ll be going flat out for a win in Melbourne. Everyone expected England to
beat us by four or five goals, but those days have gone.”
The
goalscorer Walsh said afterwards, “after traveling so far for my chance, I knew
I had to take it. I am really chuffed and the first thing I did was to
telephone my family back home.”
Frank
Arok was also complimentary of Walsh, saying “he reminds me so much of the
great West German Gerd Muller. He was the player I most feared being brought
in, and he showed my fears were justified.”
Walsh
himself would play down these comparisons and emphasize the need to still work
harder.
England
Manager Robson also praised Walsh, saying, “He did pretty well in his first
full game. He can hold the ball like glue and is certainly not afraid of the
kind of intimidation he was under tonight.”
England
had won their first match but it was once again far short of the margin that
many expected.
Photo
From: Soccer Action, June 15, 1983
The
third and final match of the Tour was on June 19th at Melbourne’s
Olympic Park.
For
this match, Arok made only one change from his previous matches. Ken Murphy
started ahead of Peter Katholos.
Robson
would also make couple of changes. Nick Pickering started at left back, in
place of the injured Derek Statham, for his International debut.
Sammy
Lee started in midfield ahead of Barham.
Photo
From: Soccer Action, June 22, 1983
(Peter
Shilton with debutant Nick Pickering, June 19, 1983, Australia 1-England 1)
Aston
Villa goalkeeper Nigel Spink would make his International debut in the second
half (It would turn out to be the only cap for Spink, as well as the other
debutant Pickering).
The
match would be open and both sides had chances to win in the second half though
England had significantly more opportunities (19 attempts to 5, 9 corners to
2).
The
two goals would be scored within minutes of one another in the first half.
Photo
From: Shoot, July 16, 1983
(June 19, 1983, Australia 1-England 1)
England
took the lead in the 25th minute. A Gordon Cowans free kick from the
middle was sent low to Trevor Francis in the box who turned and shot.
Two
minutes later Australia tied the match. Watson’s cross from the right side
evaded Butcher and Kosmina and struck on Neal ‘s thigh before bouncing into the
net. This was the first goal Shilton had conceded in eight matches.
Photo
From: Soccer Action, June 22, 1983
(England
squad, June 19, 1983, Australia 1-England 1)
Photo
From: Soccer Action, June 22, 1983
(Australia
squad, June 19, 1983, Australia 1-England 1)
Barnes
nearly gave England the lead in the 67th minute when his 25-yard
shot hit the bar.
Minutes
later in the 74th minute England were awarded a penalty kick after
Kosmina fouled Butcher in the box. Trevor Francis scored from the spot but the
kick was ordered to be retaken as the area had not been cleared of players
prior to the kick (in another source, the Referee had not ordered the kick to
be taken when Francis had shot). Francis missed the second attempt by shooting
it over the bar and the score remained tied.
Afterwards
Robson was praiseworthy of the Australians. He said, “they gave us three very
hard, physical matches and they did very well to be able to maintain their pace
and commitment…we had most of the play, and we were always looking for victory
but we couldn’t get that breakthrough…they had a flurry in the second half and
that header by Ratcliffe was probably their best moment of the series…Davidson
sparked off that flurry with some damaging runs”
As
far as the Tour itself, he stated, “these games were tough and tight, not
because we were weak but because Australia were disciplined and well organized.
They were three hard matches which, hopefully we’ll all learn from”
He
also said, “this Tour has proved there are no easy matches anymore.”
Robson
was most pleased with Francis and Osman and believed that Gregory and Thomas
had International futures. About Osman, he said, “Osman was our most fearsome
defender in the match in Brisbane. It was the first time at international level
that he did what he does all the time at Ipswich….I never thought it would take
him so long to come good and I never expected him to show the timidness he
showed in some other games. In fact, I squirmed in my seat a few times when I
saw him play for England, but in Brisbane he gave us everything. He was very
strong. He was mean but fair. That’s what we want from him”
Paul
Walsh received some praise and in a year’s time would join Liverpool.
Walsh
said, “I was very proud to be asked to
go on the Tour of Australia. I knew it was great opportunity to show what I
could do. Scoring was a bonus, and for all the criticism, we did not lose a
game and conceded only one goal…. England tried a lot of new players and
everybody knows that any team needs to be reasonably settled to really impress
away from home. Now I only hope that what I did in Australia will enable me to
stake a claim for a regular place. If not then I’ll battle next season to
achieve that personal target”.
For
most observers England veterans Shilton and Francis came away with most of the
credit as well as Butcher and newcomer Barham.
Australia
Manager Frank Arok called the series as his greatest achievement as a Manager.
Daniel Ratcliffe was the Australian player with most of the praise and his
marking of Francis throughout the series was noteworthy.
Robson
made an assessment of his first year in charge with the match with Denmark in
September on the horizon. He said, “the first year has enabled me to assess the
players and to work out who, in my judgment, are the best 22…..I now have cover
for players in every position. I have used the 12 months to have a strong, long
hard look at players and if, as I hope, we can go through to the Finals of the
European Championship, I can then decide on our strategy, knowing that we have
the players for the job.”
In
retrospect and even at the time, this Tour was considered to be a waste of time
with no benefit. Such a long trip with basically a B-Team did little to
help the team or the newcomers.
As
far as the newcomers/debutants: Nigel Spink, Danny Thomas, Derek Statham, Nick
Pickering and Mark Braham would never be capped again.
John
Gregory, Steve Williams and Paul Walsh would get a handful of more caps into
the next year (1984) and would also disappear from contention altogether.
Gordon
Cowans would earn a few more caps into 1990 but would never make a lasting
impression.
From
this Touring party, only John Barnes made a lasting impact in the National Team
as far as the debutants in Robson’s first year in charge.
This
Tour would not only be criticized for the performances on the field, but also
for the lack of organization off of it.
Many
would altogether question the wisdom of a tiring end of season travel in lieu
of prioritizing much needed rest for players (some of whom had played in the
previous summer’s World Cup.
In
his ‘Shoot’ Letter answering section, former England star Jimmy Greaves
expressed that there was no logical reason for going to Australia. He wrote,
“The Tour was a complete failure and (England) set themselves up for a backlash
at home if they did not win matches by large scores. The Federation should have
found better opposition, players needed a rest but the Federation always
prefers to go to travel.”
Bobby
Robson himself would later express disappointment about this Tour. He expressed
how he had ‘inherited’ the situation and would have preferred a proper Tour of
South America with the full squad and leave the Tour of Australia to the B
team. Robson believed the National Team did not gain anything from this long
trip against a team “desperate to prove themselves worthy of full status.”
He
accepted Australia and Arok’s tactics as they were looking “for a place in
history” and had approached the matches like “World Cup Finals”.
He
believed the Tour was not the ideal preparation needed for the European
Championships. He would be proven right, when England lost to Denmark (0-1) at
Wembley in September and the Danes would eventually qualify for the 1984 Euros.
For
the following year (1984), England finally made their preferred Tour of South
America, though they would have preferred to be in France for the Euros.
Of
course that Tour would provide the English National Team history with John
Barnes’ brilliant solo goal vs. Brazil, but that is another story and Tour.
England
Expects, A History of the England Football Team, Author James Corbett, 2006
England,
The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne
The
selected squad for the Tour:
Goalkeepers:
Peter
Leslie Shilton
(captain) (Southampton Football Club) (September 18, 1949 (age
32 years at the time), Leicester, United Kingdom)
Nigel
Phillip Spink
(Aston Villa Football
Club-Birmingham)
(August 8, 1958 (age 24 years at the
time), Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Defenders:
Daniel
Joseph 'Danny' Thomas (Coventry City Football Club) (November 12, 1961 (age 21 years at the
time), Worksop, United Kingdom)
Derek
James Statham
(West Bromwich Albion Football Club) (March 24, 1959 (age 24 years at
the time), Wolverhampton, United Kingdom)
Russell
Charles Osman(Ipswich Town
Football Club) (February 14, 1959 (age 24 years at the
time), Repton, United Kingdom)
Terence
Ian Butcher(Ipswich Town
Football Club) (December 28, 1958 (age 24 years at the
time), Singapore)
Phillip
George Neal(Liverpool
Football Club) (February 20, 1951 (age 32 years at the
time), Irchester, United Kingdom)
Midfielders:
Steven
Charles Williams(Southampton
Football Club) (July 12, 1958 (age 23 years at the time), Romford,
United Kingdom)
Nicholas
Pickering
(Sunderland Association
Football Club)
(August 4, 1963 (age 19 years at
the time), South Shields, United Kingdom)
Mark
Francis Barham
(Norwich City Football
Club) (July 12, 1962 (age 20 years at the
time), Folkestone, United Kingdom)
Samuel
Lee
(Liverpool Football
Club) (February 7, 1959 (age 24 years at the
time), Liverpool, United Kingdom) John Charles Gregory (Queens Park Rangers Football Club-London) (May 11, 1954 (age 29 years at
the time), Scunthorpe, United Kingdom)
Gordon
Sidney Cowans
(Aston Villa Football
Club-Birmingham) (October 27, 1958 (age 24 years at the time), West
Cornforth, United Kingdom)
Strikers:
Luther
Loide Blissett(Watford
Football Club)
(February 1, 1958 (age 25 years at the
time), Falmouth, Jamaica)
John
Charles Bryan Barnes(Watford
Football Club) (November 7, 1963 (age 19 years at the
time), Kingston, Jamaica) Trevor John Francis(Unione Calcio Sampdoria-Genova / Italy) (April 19,
1954 (age 29 years at the time), Plymouth, United Kingdom)
Paul
Anthony Walsh
(Luton Town Football
Club) (October 1, 1962 (age 20 years at the
time), Plumstead, London, United
Coach:
Robert William Robson (February 18,
1933, Sacriston, United Kingdom-July
31, 2009, Durham, England, United Kingdom)
Note:
I
was unable to find an official list of the squad, these are the players that
all took part in the matches.
It
is possible that players may have been selected but did not play in any of the
matches.
In
the absence of an Official list, this is the known squad.
Photo
From: All Panini England 1981/82, except
Spink,
Barham (Panini England 1986/87)
Barnes,
Blisset, Gregory, Pickering, Walsh (Panini England 1984/85)
(England squad)
The
Matches on Tour:
Date: June 12, 1983
Competition: Friendly
Result:Australia
0-England 0
Venue: Sydney-Cricket Ground
Attendance: 28,000
(27,500 in another source)
Referee: Tony Boskovic (Australia)
Goalscorers:
(Australia):
None
(England):
None
Lineups:
Australia:
Terry
Greedy (Saint
George Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Charlie
Yankos
(Heidelberg United Football Club-Melbourne, Victoria)
David
Ratcliffe (Saint
George Football Club- Sydney, New South Wales)
Alan
Davidson (South
Melbourne Football Club-Melbourne, Victoria)
Graham
Jennings (Sydney
Olympic Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Steve
O’Connor (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Jim
Cant (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Peter
Katholos (Sydney
Olympic Football Club-Sydney, North South Wales)
Joe
Watson (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Phil
O’Connor
(Wollongong Wolves Fooball Club-Wollomgong, New South Wales) (David Mitchell (Sydney City Hakoah Football
Club-Sydney, New South Wales) 65th)
John
Kosmina (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Coach:
Frank Arok (Yugoslavia)
Team
Captain:John Kosmina
Official
Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform
Colors: Yellow Shirts (with
Dark Green Sleeves), Dark Green Shorts, Dark Green Socks
England:
1-Peter
Leslie Shilton
(Southampton Football Club)
2-Daniel
Joseph 'Danny' Thomas (Coventry City Football Club)
3-Derek
James Statham (West Bromwich Albion Football Club) (16-John Charles Bryan Barnes (Watford Football Club) 69th)
4-Steven
Charles Williams (Southampton
Football Club)
5-Russell Charles Osman (Ipswich Town Football Club)
6-Terence
Ian Butcher (Ipswich
Town Football Club)
7-Mark
Francis Barham (Norwich City Football Club)
8-John Charles Gregory (Queens Park Rangers Football Club-London)
9-Luther
Loide Blissett (Watford
Football Club)
(15-Paul Anthony Walsh (Luton Town Football Club) 59th)
10-Trevor John Francis (Unione Calcio Sampdoria-Genova / Italy)
11-Gordon
Sidney Cowans (Aston Villa Football Club-Birmingham)
Coach:
Robert William Robson
Booked:
John Gregory
Team
Captain:Peter Shilton
Official
Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral
Uniform
Colors: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks
Photo
From: Shoot, July 16, 1983
(June 12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
Photo
From: Shoot, July 16, 1983
(June
12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
Photo
From: Soccer Action, June 15, 1983
(John
Barnes, June 12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
Photo
From: Official Match programme, England V Denmark, 1983
(June
12, 1983, Australia 0-England 0)
Date: June 15, 1983
Competition: Friendly
Result:Australia
0-England 1
Venue: Brisbane -Lang Park
Attendance: 16,000
(9,750 in another source)
Referee: Peter Rampley (Australia)
Goalscorers:
(Australia):
None
(England):
Paul Walsh 57
Summary of goals:
0-1
(57th minute, England): Mark Barham’s cross from the right side
appeared to have gone out on the left side before John Gregory pulled back for
Walsh to score.
Lineups:
Australia:
Terry
Greedy (Saint
George Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Charlie
Yankos (Heidelberg
United Football Club-Melbourne, Victoria)
David
Ratcliffe (Saint
George Football Club- Sydney, New South Wales)
Alan
Davidson (South
Melbourne Football Club-Melbourne, Victoria)
Graham
Jennings (Sydney
Olympic Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Steve
O’Connor (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Jim
Cant (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Peter
Katholos (Sydney
Olympic Football Club-Sydney, North South Wales) (Ken Murphy (South Melbourne Football
Club-Melbourne, Victoria) 69th)
Joe
Watson (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Phil
O’Connor
(Wollongong Wolves Fooball Club-Wollomgong, New South Wales) (David Mitchell (Sydney City Hakoah Football
Club-Sydney, New South Wales) 75th)
John
Kosmina (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Coach:
Frank Arok (Yugoslavia)
Team
Captain:John Kosmina
Official
Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform
Colors: Yellow Shirts (with
Dark Green Sleeves), Dark Green Shorts, Dark Green Socks
England:
1-Peter
Leslie Shilton
(Southampton Football Club)
2-Phillip
George Neal (Liverpool
Football Club)
3-Derek
James Statham (West Bromwich Albion Football Club) (Steven Charles Williams (Southampton Football Club) 21st)
4-Mark
Francis Barham (Norwich City Football Club)
5-Russell Charles Osman (Ipswich Town Football Club)
6-Terence Ian Butcher (Ipswich Town Football Club)
7-John Charles Gregory (Queens Park Rangers Football Club-London)
8-Trevor
John Francis (Unione
Calcio Sampdoria-Genova / Italy)
9-Paul Anthony Walsh (Luton Town Football Club)
10-Gordon Sidney Cowans (Aston Villa Football Club-Birmingham)
11-John Charles Bryan Barnes (Watford Football Club)
Coach:
Robert William Robson
Team
Captain:Peter Shilton
Official
Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral
Uniform
Colors: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks
Photo
From: Shoot, July 16, 1983
(June
15, 1983, Australia 0-England 1)
Date: June 19, 1983
Competition: Friendly
Result:Australia
1-England 1
Venue: Melbourne-Olympic Park
Attendance: 20,000
Referee: Jack Johnston (Australia)
Goalscorers:
(Australia):
Phil Neal (own Goal) 27
(England):
Trevor Francis 25
Summary of goals:
0-1
(25th minute, England): A free kick from the middle was sent low to
Francis in the box who turned and shot.
(27th
minute, Australia): Watson’s cross from the right was struck on Neal ‘s leg and
went in.
Lineups:
Australia:
Terry
Greedy (Saint
George Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Charlie
Yankos
(Heidelberg United Football Club-Melbourne, Victoria)
David
Ratcliffe (Saint
George Football Club- Sydney, New South Wales)
Alan
Davidson (South
Melbourne Football Club-Melbourne, Victoria)
Graham
Jennings (Sydney
Olympic Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Steve
O’Connor (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Jim
Cant (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Joe
Watson (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Ken
Murphy (South
Melbourne Football Club-Melbourne, Victoria)
Phil
O’Connor
(Wollongong Wolves Fooball Club-Wollomgong, New South Wales)
John
Kosmina (Sydney
City Hakoah Football Club-Sydney, New South Wales)
Coach:
Frank Arok (Yugoslavia)
Booked:
David Ratcliffe
Team
Captain:John Kosmina
Official
Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform
Colors: Yellow Shirts (with
Dark Green Sleeves), Dark Green Shorts, Dark Green Socks
England:
1-
Peter Leslie Shilton (Southampton Football Club) (Nigel Phillip Spink (Aston Villa Football Club-Birmingham) 46th)
2-Phillip George Neal (Liverpool Football Club) (Daniel Joseph 'Danny' Thomas (Coventry City Football Club) 46th)
3-Nicholas Pickering (Sunderland Association Football Club)
5-Russell Charles Osman (Ipswich Town Football Club)
6-Terence
Ian Butcher (Ipswich
Town Football Club)
4-Samuel Lee (Liverpool Football Club)
7-John Charles Gregory (Queens Park Rangers Football Club-London)
10-Gordon
Sidney Cowans (Aston Villa Football Club-Birmingham)
8-Trevor John
Francis (Unione
Calcio Sampdoria-Genova / Italy)
9-Paul
Anthony Walsh (Luton Town Football Club) (Luther Loide Blissett (Watford Football Club) 69th)
11-John
Charles Bryan Barnes (Watford Football Club)
Coach:
Robert William Robson
Booked:
Trevor Francis
Team
Captain:Peter Shilton (Trevor
Francis assumed captaincy second half)
Official
Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral
Uniform
Colors: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks
Note:
1-England
were awarded a penalty kick after Kosmina fouled Butcher in the box. Trevor
Francis scored on a penalty kick that was ordered to be retaken. He missed the
second attempt by shooting it over the bar.
Photo
From: Soccer Action, June 22, 1983
(Trevor
Francis' penalty kick, June 19, 1983, Australia 1-England 1)
