Geoff Hurst vs Stanley Matthews
England against England. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Stanley Matthews
England · 1950s · LM
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in England
- #5 of 33
- Caps
- 54 · 11 goals
- Clubs
- Stoke City, The Football League XI, Blackpool
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 2× Hall of Fame
The original 'Wizard of the Dribble,' this legendary winger's mesmerizing footwork earned him the inaugural Ballon d'Or in 1956. Career record: 54 caps and 11 goals for England; club career at Stoke City, The Football League XI, Blackpool; honours include Ballon d'Or, 2× Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Stanley Matthews ahead by 1 rating point, 92 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.