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The Boys of '66 England's Last Glory
Hard to Find book
- GenresHistory
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 1996
About the author
David Miller
1,019 books53 followersLibrarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
March 7, 2014
Ah, those heady days of 1966 when England ruled the world. Surely a victory to herald an era of English footballing dominance? Or perhaps not. Will those of us who were born after that glorious year ever see the likes of it in our lifetimes? The way things look nowadays I suspect not. But don’t let that stop anyone revelling in, or for the older reader, reliving the victorious campaign from 1966.
David Miller gives a comprehensive account of England’s campaign from its pre-tournament beginnings right through to the climactic final at Wembley. As with any squad, the evolution of the England side in the lead up to the tournament, and indeed during it, makes for intriguing reading given the benefit of hindsight. The tactical tweaks that lead to the famous Wingless Wonders formation, and the changes of personnel that brought the team to the chosen 11 for the Final bring a level of insight that will appeal to the England fan.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the team back then of course; the press was as critical when things hadn’t looked so rosy as they are today. Alf Ramsey had to suffer a lot of criticism based on his bold statement that England would win the World Cup, but as history proved, he was vindicated. This book tells us how he got there, and in numerous player interviews Miller gets to grips with the personalities behind England’s finest sporting hour.
The incidents will be familiar to the England fanatic, but as each is reached and delved into in the book, there was an anticipation of discovering more detail in effect from behind the scenes about these incidents. From a sceptical nation beforehand, disappointing opening displays, the “animals” of Argentina, Jimmy Greaves’ injury, reaching the Final, team selection headaches once Greaves was fit again, through to the ultimate success. The incidents are familiar but the added detail brings England’s Last Glory to life and gives the reader a fascinating reminiscence of a period in English football history that may never be repeated.
An excellent read, well told, and sure to cause pining for long forgotten glories as England head towards another World Cup with rather less hope of emulating the Boys of 66.
David Miller gives a comprehensive account of England’s campaign from its pre-tournament beginnings right through to the climactic final at Wembley. As with any squad, the evolution of the England side in the lead up to the tournament, and indeed during it, makes for intriguing reading given the benefit of hindsight. The tactical tweaks that lead to the famous Wingless Wonders formation, and the changes of personnel that brought the team to the chosen 11 for the Final bring a level of insight that will appeal to the England fan.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the team back then of course; the press was as critical when things hadn’t looked so rosy as they are today. Alf Ramsey had to suffer a lot of criticism based on his bold statement that England would win the World Cup, but as history proved, he was vindicated. This book tells us how he got there, and in numerous player interviews Miller gets to grips with the personalities behind England’s finest sporting hour.
The incidents will be familiar to the England fanatic, but as each is reached and delved into in the book, there was an anticipation of discovering more detail in effect from behind the scenes about these incidents. From a sceptical nation beforehand, disappointing opening displays, the “animals” of Argentina, Jimmy Greaves’ injury, reaching the Final, team selection headaches once Greaves was fit again, through to the ultimate success. The incidents are familiar but the added detail brings England’s Last Glory to life and gives the reader a fascinating reminiscence of a period in English football history that may never be repeated.
An excellent read, well told, and sure to cause pining for long forgotten glories as England head towards another World Cup with rather less hope of emulating the Boys of 66.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review