Bobby Charlton vs Geoff Hurst
England against England. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Bobby Charlton
England · 1956–73 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in England
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 106 · 49 goals
- Clubs
- English Schools' Football Association, Preston North End, Melbourne Victory
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1966 · 2× Hall of Fame (1969–1974)
A true footballing icon, the Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion’s thunderous long-range strikes and humble leadership defined an era for Manchester United and England. Career record: 106 caps and 49 goals for England; club career at English Schools' Football Association, Preston North End, Melbourne Victory; honours include Ballon d'Or 1966, 2× Hall of Fame (1969–1974).
Geoff Hurst
England · 1959–76 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in England
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 49 · 24 goals
- Clubs
- West Ham United, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
Wembley, 30 July 1966: with spectators drifting onto the pitch and Kenneth Wolstenholme telling viewers they thought it was all over, he drove in his third goal of the afternoon against West Germany. That 4-2 win made him the first man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, and he added the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup with West Ham, scoring 24 goals in 49 England appearances. Career record: 49 caps and 24 goals for England; club career at West Ham United, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion; honours include Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Bobby Charlton ahead by 4 rating points, 95 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.