The Lionesses became the first England team to reach a World Cup final since Alf Ramsey’s 1966 heroes when our national team beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley Stadium.
Unfortunately despite a brilliant performance throughout the tournament Sarina Wiegman’s side didn’t bring football home after losing the final 1-0 to Spain on Sunday (August 20). Spain’s Olga Carmona’s strike in the first half was enough to see off England’s women’s team as the Lionesses were unable to make a breakthrough in Sydney.
England teams haven’t had much joy in major tournaments over the years, although Gareth Southgate’s side reached the Euro 2020 final and Wiegman’s went one better by winning the women’s Euros in 2022.
Southgate’s side will be hoping they can become the first men’s team to win a trophy since Ramsey, Bobby Moore and co in 1966 when Euro 2024 takes place in Germany next summer.
With this in mind, we’ve looked back over the historic 1966 World Cup, which was of course the last World Cup to be held in England. Aston Villa’s stadium Villa Park was one of the chosen English stadiums which hosted games during the World Cup. Argentina, Spain and finalists West Germany all played group games at the Birmingham stadium.
Villa Park was one of eight stadiums used in the 1966 tournament, incluidng Wembley, White City Stadium, Old Trafford, Goodison Park, Hillsborough Stadium, Ayresome Park and Roker Park.
Here are 14 photos of players and fans at Villa Park during the tournament.
1. The Argentinian football team waving to the Villa Park crowd after a 0-0 draw with West Germany in their Group B match during the 1966 World Cup in England
2. Team captains Antonio Rattin and Uwe Seeler leading out Argentina and West Germany at Villa Park in 1966
3. A fan dressed in Spanish colours and holding a matching umbrealla supporting his national team at Villa Park, 1966
4. Fans supporting the Spanish national side at Villa Park during the World Cup in England. They are holiding a banner and one of them is playing a ukulele