England 3-1 France (World cup Group Match 1982)
England opened up their world cup campaign against France in the most dramatic style; it only took Bryan Robson 27 seconds to score the quickest goal in the history of the world cup. The French were caught out sleeping as Mariner’s cross was smashed into the back of the net by Bryan Robson, however the French battled back and equalized through Soler in the 25th minute of the match. England was playing really good football and went on searching for the lead again. Robson headed the ball into the back of the net again in the 66th minute. With only eight minutes of the football match remaining, Mariner scored England’s third goal after Trevor Francis’s shot had bounced off full back Tresor’s legs. England really began their world cup campaign in style.

 

England 9-0 Luxembourg (December 1982 Euro 84 qualifier)

This was arguably England’s finest ever result; it was Luther Blissett that stole the show in what was his full international debut for England. Bobby Robson also introduced Gary Mabbut into the starting line up for England. England cruised in to an early lead, through an own goal. Steve Coppell scored England’s second and it continued from there. Blissett and Walcock scored before half time to increase the lead to 4-0. Immediately into the second half Blissett scored England’s fifth and his second and Alex Chamberlin’s introduction, resulted in a sixth goal being scored by Chamberlin himself. Glenn Hoddle scored the seventh for England just after coming off the substitute bench. Luther Blissett completed his fairy tale debut with his third; equalling Fred Pickering’s 1964 record of scoring a debut hat- trick and England dominated the match to win 9-0.