EFY – (1976-1980)

Greatest players

Trevor Brooking
Debut – 3rd April 1974 V Portugal
Caps – 47
Goals – 5
Trevor Brooking used his feet as tools of the trade to prove that artistry could still defeat power. Brooking made his International debut against Portugal in April 1974; however he did not claim a regular place until Ron greenwood became manager in 1977. Trevor Brooking formed an amazing partnership with Kevin Keegan and their fast one two’s around the penalty area became a feature of England’s football play. The highlight of Brooking’s England career came in a crucial world cup qualification match against Hungary. England had to win and Brooking responded with two great goals, one being a stunning 25 yard volley which left the ball lodged in the stanchion of the post and cross bar. His last match playing for England came against Spain in the 1982 world cup finals, he missed a crucial chance and that proved to be his last match playing for his country.

Kevin Keegan
Debut – 15th November 1972 V Wales
Caps - 63
Goals – 21
Keegan was a brilliant asset to have in any football team, he was great in the air and, together with his brilliant finishing, and his make up suited the speed of modern football. During his three year spell playing football in Germany he was crowned European Football player of the year in 1978 and 1979. The 1982 world cup finals in Spain offered Keegan the chance to appear in the world stage for the first time since his England debut in 1972. Unfortunately injury restricted him to only 25 minutes of play in the world cup. Coming on as a substitute, Keegan agonizingly headed wide with the goal at his mercy, that was the final occasion Keegan has played for his country.

Steve Coppel
Debut – 16th November 1977 V Italy
Caps – 42
Goals – 7
During 1977, Steve Coppel made his international debut for England and became a regular member of the England starting line up. In a midfield including a wealth of talent such as Ray Wilkins, Trevor Brooking, and Coppel was another key member. Coppel played in the opening matches of the 1982 world cup finals in Spain but then withdrew. In his 42 international appearing for England, England won a staggering 26 matches and lost on only 8 occasions. Coppel was forced to retire from the game at the young age of 28.

Ray Clemence
Debut – 15th November 1972
Caps – 61
Ray Clemence was first capped by England in a 1972 world cup qualifying match against Wales. In total he won 61 caps in the space of 11 years playing for England. Clemence was England’s main goalkeeper between 1974 and 1978. Clemence was on the bench for the 1982 world cup finals as peter Shilton was favored as England’s number one. However Ray Clemence started for England during the 1980 European Championships and he saved penalty in the competition in a match against Spain, which England won 2-1. Clemence’s last football match for England was a 4-0 victory over Luxembourg in November 1983.