25th October 1961, England played Portugal at Wembley, in a World Cup Qualifier, European Group 6. John Connelly (below) and Ray Pointer (below-below), both of Burnley, scored after 5 minutes and then 9 mins, to grab an early lead in the match and that's how it stayed.
Burnley FC was a bit of a surprisingly successful member of the First Division in the late 1950/early 60s, winning the First Division (top then) in 1959-60. I saw them play Spurs at WHL in 1960 when the teams played out a 4-4 draw. Both Connelly and Pointer were in that side and they were cast iron England internationals in October 1961. England won this match against Portugal 2-0 and once qualified they were not called on to play another World Cup Qualifier for 11 years. They hosted the 1966 tournament and were "holders" when they went to Mexico in 1970.
The England team then was: Ron Springett (Sheff Wed), Jimmy Armfield (Blackpool), Ray Wilson (huddersfield), Peter Swan (Sheff Wed), Ron Flowers (Wolves), Bobby Charlton (Man U), Ray Pointer, John Connelly, Bryan Douglas (Blackburn Rovers), Johnny Haynes (capt) (Fulham) and Bobby Robson (WBA). No Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, Man C.....etc etc
The two sides have played 23 international and England has won 10, Drawn 8 (2 lost on penalties) and lost in open play 5 times.
In 1955 there was a first1-3 defeat, away, in a friendly-manager Walter Winterbottom..
In 1986 FIFA World Cup Group F; 0-1 in Monterrey under manager Bobby Robson.
In the 2000 UEFA Championships 2-3 in Eindhoven: Manager Kevin Keegan.
Then in 2004 in the UEFA Championships (Q-F) in Lisbon after a 2-2 aet draw. Pens were 5-6. This was under the managership of Sven and after Sol Campbell's "winner" was wiped out following a foul by Terry on the way to goal.
On July 1st 2006, in the FIFA World Cup in Gelsenkirschen, England lost on pens again after a 0-0 draw and then a 1-3 pens loss. Sven in charge again.
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