England v Ireland (1949)
Encyclopedia
England v Ireland. On 21 September 1949 at Goodison Park
, Liverpool
, the home of Everton
, England
were defeated 2-0 by Ireland in a friendly international. As a result Ireland became the first non-UK
team to beat England at home; however, as the majority of the Republic Of Ireland team for that game played in the English 1st and 2nd divisions, the defeat was generally viewed in the same light as defeats to Home Nation sides such as Scotland and Wales. In 1953 the Hungarian
team known as the Mighty Magyars defeated England 6-3
, thus becoming the first team from outside the British Isles to beat them in England, and the first non-UK team to beat them at Wembley Stadium.
-based IFA
and the Republic of Ireland
-based FAI
. Both organisations claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland
, and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including six who played in this game, had played for both teams. The IFA XI
had played England
regularly since 1882, and claimed their first victory, by three goals to nil, on English soil at Ayresome Park
, Middlesbrough
on 14 February 1914, but this was only the second time England and the FAI XI had met. Despite this, several members of the FAI XI had played against England several times before while representing the IFA XI; striker Davy Walsh
had previously scored three times against England.
The FAI XI had played England for the first time at Dalymount Park
on 30 September 1946. A team, featuring Johnny Carey
, Con Martin
and Billy Walsh, were narrowly defeated 1-0 when Tom Finney
scored the winner in the 82nd minute. Two days earlier, on 28 September, Carey and Tom Aherne
had been included in the IFA XI that had been heavily defeated 7-2 by the same England side. The next time the IFA XI played England, on 5 November 1947, their team included six players - Carey, Martin, Billy Walsh, Peter Farrell
, Davy Walsh
and Tommy Eglington
– who had previously played for the FAI XI. Davy Walsh scored the opening goal in a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park
. Carey, Martin, Farrell and Walsh also played for the IFA XI in their 6-2 defeat to England at Windsor Park
on 10 October 1948. Davy Walsh also scored both goals that day.
. Despite the absence of both Stanley Matthews
and Stan Mortensen
, England fielded a strong team, including Billy Wright
, Neil Franklin
, Wilf Mannion
and Tom Finney
. Ireland’s team included just seven First Division players, but these included Johnny Carey
who had been voted Footballer of the Year in 1949. Another two Irish players, Tom Aherne
and Tommy Moroney
, like Finney, played in the English Second Division
. The remaining two Irish players, goalkeeper Tommy Godwin
and Tommy O'Connor
both played for Shamrock Rovers
in the League of Ireland
.
launch wave after wave of attacks. However Tommy Godwin was in inspired form and Con Martin
, Tom Aherne
and Johnny Carey
proved to difficult for England to get past. Carey was also effective in keeping Tom Finney
quiet, while wing-halves Billy Walsh and Tommy Moroney
gradually took the sting out of the English front line. Ireland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Peter Desmond
, after collecting a pass from Tommy O'Connor
, burst into the England penalty area and was brought down. Con Martin
then converted the subsequent penalty kick. During the second half the wave of England attacks continued. Peter Harris
hit the bar and Jesse Pye
also went close. However Peter Farrell
, playing at his club Everton’s
home ground, made victory certain in the 85th minute. O'Connor slipped the ball to Farrell and as the English goalkeeper Bert Williams
advanced, Farrell calmly and coolly lofted the ball into the unguarded net.
; Mozley
, Aston, Wright (captain), Franklin; Dickinson
, Harris
; Morris
, Pye
, Mannion
, Finney
.
Goodison Park
Goodison Park is a football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England. The stadium has been home to Everton F.C. since its completion in 1892 and is one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds...
, Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, the home of Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
, England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
were defeated 2-0 by Ireland in a friendly international. As a result Ireland became the first non-UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
team to beat England at home; however, as the majority of the Republic Of Ireland team for that game played in the English 1st and 2nd divisions, the defeat was generally viewed in the same light as defeats to Home Nation sides such as Scotland and Wales. In 1953 the Hungarian
Hungary national football team
The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation....
team known as the Mighty Magyars defeated England 6-3
England v Hungary (1953)
England v Hungary was an international football game played on November 25, 1953. The game was played between Hungary - then the world's number one ranked team, the Olympic champions and on a run of 24 unbeaten games - and England, then the world's number three ranked team, the inventors of the...
, thus becoming the first team from outside the British Isles to beat them in England, and the first non-UK team to beat them at Wembley Stadium.
Previous Games
During the 1940s there were in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations - the Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
-based IFA
Irish Football Association
The Irish Football Association is the organising body for association football in Northern Ireland, and was historically the governing body for Ireland...
and the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
-based FAI
Football Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...
. Both organisations claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including six who played in this game, had played for both teams. The IFA XI
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...
had played England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
regularly since 1882, and claimed their first victory, by three goals to nil, on English soil at Ayresome Park
Ayresome Park
-External links:**-References:...
, Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is a large town situated on the south bank of the River Tees in north east England, that sits within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire...
on 14 February 1914, but this was only the second time England and the FAI XI had met. Despite this, several members of the FAI XI had played against England several times before while representing the IFA XI; striker Davy Walsh
Davy Walsh
David Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
had previously scored three times against England.
The FAI XI had played England for the first time at Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...
on 30 September 1946. A team, featuring Johnny Carey
Johnny Carey
John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...
, Con Martin
Con Martin
Cornelius Joseph Martin , commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football with Dublin before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United and Aston Villa...
and Billy Walsh, were narrowly defeated 1-0 when Tom Finney
Tom Finney
Sir Thomas Finney, OBE is a former English footballer, famous for his loyalty to his league club, Preston North End, and for his performances in the English national side....
scored the winner in the 82nd minute. Two days earlier, on 28 September, Carey and Tom Aherne
Tom Aherne
Thomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...
had been included in the IFA XI that had been heavily defeated 7-2 by the same England side. The next time the IFA XI played England, on 5 November 1947, their team included six players - Carey, Martin, Billy Walsh, Peter Farrell
Peter Farrell
Peter Desmond Farrell was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. As an international, Farrell also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, Davy Walsh
Davy Walsh
David Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
and Tommy Eglington
Tommy Eglington
Thomas Joseph Eglington was an Irish footballer who played as an outside-left for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. Eglington was also a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.Eglington’s playing career followed a similar...
– who had previously played for the FAI XI. Davy Walsh scored the opening goal in a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Goodison Park is a football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England. The stadium has been home to Everton F.C. since its completion in 1892 and is one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds...
. Carey, Martin, Farrell and Walsh also played for the IFA XI in their 6-2 defeat to England at Windsor Park
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:...
on 10 October 1948. Davy Walsh also scored both goals that day.
The teams
The game was used by both teams as part of their preparations for forthcoming World Cup qualifiers1950 FIFA World Cup qualification
-First round:Syria withdrew, and remaining match was not played.Turkey advanced to the Final Round.-Final round:Austria withdrew, so Turkey qualified automatically. But Turkey later also withdrew, and FIFA offered the place to Portugal, the runner-up of Group 6, but they declined...
. Despite the absence of both Stanley Matthews
Stanley Matthews
Sir Stanley Matthews, CBE was an English footballer. Often regarded as one of the greatest players of the English game, he is the only player to have been knighted while still playing, as well as being the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers'...
and Stan Mortensen
Stan Mortensen
Stanley Harding "Stan" Mortensen was an English professional footballer, most famous for his part in the 1953 FA Cup Final , in which he became the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a Wembley FA Cup Final...
, England fielded a strong team, including Billy Wright
Billy Wright
Billy Wright may refer to:* Billy Wright , Wolverhampton Wanderers and England football captain* Billy Wright , Everton and Birmingham City centre-half...
, Neil Franklin
Neil Franklin
Cornelius 'Neil' Franklin was an English footballer.-Early career:Franklin had made a impression at schoolboy level, playing at both inside and centre forward...
, Wilf Mannion
Wilf Mannion
Wilfred James Mannion was an English professional footballer who played as an inside forward, making over 350 senior appearances for Middlesbrough. He also played international football for England...
and Tom Finney
Tom Finney
Sir Thomas Finney, OBE is a former English footballer, famous for his loyalty to his league club, Preston North End, and for his performances in the English national side....
. Ireland’s team included just seven First Division players, but these included Johnny Carey
Johnny Carey
John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...
who had been voted Footballer of the Year in 1949. Another two Irish players, Tom Aherne
Tom Aherne
Thomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...
and Tommy Moroney
Tommy Moroney
Tommy Moroney is a former Irish soccer and rugby union player. Moroney played soccer for Cork United, West Ham United, Evergreen United and Ireland. In 1949 he was a member of the Ireland team that defeated England 2–0 at Goodison Park, becoming the first non-UK team to beat England at home...
, like Finney, played in the English Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
. The remaining two Irish players, goalkeeper Tommy Godwin
Tommy Godwin (footballer)
Thomas Fergus Godwin , commonly referred to as Tommy Godwin, was an Irish footballer who played for Shamrock Rovers, Leicester City and Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic F.C....
and Tommy O'Connor
Tommy O'Connor
Thomas O'Connor , also known as Tommy O'Connor or Tom O'Connor, was an Irish footballer who played for Shamrock Rovers...
both played for Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
in the League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
.
The game
The early pattern of the game saw EnglandEngland national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
launch wave after wave of attacks. However Tommy Godwin was in inspired form and Con Martin
Con Martin
Cornelius Joseph Martin , commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football with Dublin before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United and Aston Villa...
, Tom Aherne
Tom Aherne
Thomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...
and Johnny Carey
Johnny Carey
John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...
proved to difficult for England to get past. Carey was also effective in keeping Tom Finney
Tom Finney
Sir Thomas Finney, OBE is a former English footballer, famous for his loyalty to his league club, Preston North End, and for his performances in the English national side....
quiet, while wing-halves Billy Walsh and Tommy Moroney
Tommy Moroney
Tommy Moroney is a former Irish soccer and rugby union player. Moroney played soccer for Cork United, West Ham United, Evergreen United and Ireland. In 1949 he was a member of the Ireland team that defeated England 2–0 at Goodison Park, becoming the first non-UK team to beat England at home...
gradually took the sting out of the English front line. Ireland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Peter Desmond
Peter Desmond
Peter Desmond was an Irish footballer. Desmond played for several clubs in the League of Ireland and the English League. As an international, Desmond also played for Ireland....
, after collecting a pass from Tommy O'Connor
Tommy O'Connor
Thomas O'Connor , also known as Tommy O'Connor or Tom O'Connor, was an Irish footballer who played for Shamrock Rovers...
, burst into the England penalty area and was brought down. Con Martin
Con Martin
Cornelius Joseph Martin , commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football with Dublin before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United and Aston Villa...
then converted the subsequent penalty kick. During the second half the wave of England attacks continued. Peter Harris
Peter Harris (footballer)
Peter Philip Harris was an association football player.Harris is notable for his career with Portsmouth F.C., his only professional club. Born in Southsea and signed from Gosport Borough F.C., he played a crucial role in Pompey's championship-winning teams as an out and out right-winger with an...
hit the bar and Jesse Pye
Jesse Pye
Jesse Pye was an English footballer. He played in the Football League for , and and scored twice in the 1949 FA Cup Final for the former....
also went close. However Peter Farrell
Peter Farrell
Peter Desmond Farrell was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. As an international, Farrell also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, playing at his club Everton’s
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
home ground, made victory certain in the 85th minute. O'Connor slipped the ball to Farrell and as the English goalkeeper Bert Williams
Bert Williams (footballer)
Bert Frederick Williams MBE is a former English international football goalkeeper. Nicknamed The Cat, he spent the majority of his playing career at Wolverhampton Wanderers where he won the League Championship and FA Cup....
advanced, Farrell calmly and coolly lofted the ball into the unguarded net.
Match Stats
England: WilliamsBert Williams (footballer)
Bert Frederick Williams MBE is a former English international football goalkeeper. Nicknamed The Cat, he spent the majority of his playing career at Wolverhampton Wanderers where he won the League Championship and FA Cup....
; Mozley
Bert Mozley
Bert Mozley is a retired English international footballer who spent his entire professional career with hometown club Derby County. After retiring as a player in 1955 he emigrated to Canada.-External links:**...
, Aston, Wright (captain), Franklin; Dickinson
Jimmy Dickinson
James William 'Jimmy' Dickinson was an English football player.Dickinson holds the record for number of league appearances for Portsmouth...
, Harris
Peter Harris (footballer)
Peter Philip Harris was an association football player.Harris is notable for his career with Portsmouth F.C., his only professional club. Born in Southsea and signed from Gosport Borough F.C., he played a crucial role in Pompey's championship-winning teams as an out and out right-winger with an...
; Morris
Johnny Morris (footballer)
John "Johnny" Morris was an English former footballer who played as an inside forward in the Football League for Manchester United, Derby County and Leicester City....
, Pye
Jesse Pye
Jesse Pye was an English footballer. He played in the Football League for , and and scored twice in the 1949 FA Cup Final for the former....
, Mannion
Wilf Mannion
Wilfred James Mannion was an English professional footballer who played as an inside forward, making over 350 senior appearances for Middlesbrough. He also played international football for England...
, Finney
Tom Finney
Sir Thomas Finney, OBE is a former English footballer, famous for his loyalty to his league club, Preston North End, and for his performances in the English national side....
.
- Coach: Walter Winterbottom Ireland: GodwinTommy Godwin (footballer)Thomas Fergus Godwin , commonly referred to as Tommy Godwin, was an Irish footballer who played for Shamrock Rovers, Leicester City and Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic F.C....
; CareyJohnny CareyJohn Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...
(captain), AherneTom AherneThomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...
, B. Walsh, MartinCon MartinCornelius Joseph Martin , commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football with Dublin before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United and Aston Villa...
; MoroneyTommy MoroneyTommy Moroney is a former Irish soccer and rugby union player. Moroney played soccer for Cork United, West Ham United, Evergreen United and Ireland. In 1949 he was a member of the Ireland team that defeated England 2–0 at Goodison Park, becoming the first non-UK team to beat England at home...
, CorrPeter CorrPeter Joseph Corr was an Irish footballer. Corr played as an outside-right for, among others, Everton and Ireland. In 1949 he was a member of the Ireland team that defeated England 2–0 at Goodison Park, becoming the first non-UK team to beat England at home...
; FarrellPeter FarrellPeter Desmond Farrell was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. As an international, Farrell also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, D. WalshDavy WalshDavid Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, DesmondPeter DesmondPeter Desmond was an Irish footballer. Desmond played for several clubs in the League of Ireland and the English League. As an international, Desmond also played for Ireland....
, O'ConnorTommy O'ConnorThomas O'Connor , also known as Tommy O'Connor or Tom O'Connor, was an Irish footballer who played for Shamrock Rovers...
. - Coach:
Sources
- The Boys In Green - The FAI International Story (1997): Sean Ryan http://www.amazon.ca/dp/1851589392