England take on Greece on Thursday in a rematch of their recent UEFA Nations League encounter, which Greece surprisingly won 2-1 at Wembley.
For England supporters of a certain vintage, this fixture always conjures up memories of David Beckham’s amazing moment of redemption against Greece in 2002.
If you have watched the Beckham documentary on Netflix, you will be familiar with the treatment the former Manchester United winger received from the English media and fans after he was sent off as England were eliminated from the 1998 World Cup by Argentina.
Four years later, Beckham had been given the England captain’s armband by coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, and their qualification for the 2002 World Cup came down to a meeting with Greece at Old Trafford.
The Three Lions just needed a draw to secure their place at the tournament, but trailed 2-1 in the dying minutes, and faced the prospect of an unwanted play-off.
But then they were awarded a stoppage time free-kick 25 yards from goal. Beckham stepped up, and the rest is history.
England qualified for Japan and South Korea, where Golden Balls went on to complete his redemption arc when he scored the winner from the penalty spot in a group game against old foe Argentina.
Has there ever been a better right foot?
📸 Danny Gohlke – Bongarts
