08/06/1996:
The start of Euro 96. What a fantastic tournament and summer that was.
Hosts England kicked it off against Switzerland. Things of note:
Star striker Alan Shearer, without an England goal for nearly two years, scored to set himself up for a great Championship.
Gary Neville was pinging shots in from 30 yards out.
Gazza looked ready for something big. His touches and flicks looked great, and his confidence was high.
Portugal’s coach, Artur Jorge, had a fantastic moustache-and-hair combo.
Ultimately, though, the game finished 1-1 and the dream of a famous summer still felt a long way off.
It’s 36 years since Italia 90 kicked off in sensational style.
Big Benjamin Massing launches Claudio Caniggia into The Land of Wind and Ghosts.
Run it off, son.
(👍🎥 @90sfootball)
TELLY GOLD: It’s the anniversary of the opening day of Italia 90, so here’s the intro to the official BBC tournament round-up.
Des Lynam, in a marvellous coat, with Adamski on soundtrack.
Splendid stuff.
On this day in 1990, Top Of The Pops went live to the England camp in Sardinia, as ‘World In Motion’ reached number one in the UK Charts.
And as you’d expect around this period, Gazza was on top form…
James Milner retiring means 2026-27 will be the first English top-flight season since 1956-57 that will not feature a single player who played under Sir Bobby Robson.
Highlander (1986) The Greatest
Brian May wrote the Queen ballad after seeing Heather age and die in Connor’s arms. Immortal love, mortal life, and the cruel weight of forever.
Pure emotional swordplay. Still one of the most beautiful and tragic montages in 80s cinema.
On this day in 1984: Kevin Keegan played his farewell match in a special exhibition game against his former club, Liverpool at SJP. The event ended in a 2-2 draw, and concluded with Keegan dramatically leaving the pitch in a helicopter. 👑 KEV!!