1962 CHILE

 May 20th 1962, Bobby Moore made his debut for England and Jimmy Greaves scored three in a friendly international against Peru (away), which England won 4-0. This was part of the preparation for the 1962 World Cup, held in Chile, later that Summer. Peru had recently suffered an earthquake and was still regarded as "Third World", without natural disasters. The country got the "FIFA nod" following their tragedy and the need for foreign investment. 

Prior to this game, England qualified for the Finals beating 2 other nations: Luxembourg (9-0 and 4-1), Portugal (1-1, 2-0).  

32,565 attended the National Stadium, Lima, watching Ron Flowers of Wolves score the fourth goal. Altitudinal sickness, travelling plane lag, dodgey food, crowds who couldn't afford tickets and the rest, didn't stop our pre-World Cup team begin a successful campaign. Johnny Haynes, Bobby Charlton, Greaves and Jimmy Armfield had played Peru previously on a disappinting tour to South America in 1959, losing 4-1. 

This time, against Peru, Moore, aged 21, convinced his national manager, Walter Winterbottom, that he was ready for international football, replacing Bobby Robson (who later became national manager himself). Robson had broken an ankle leading up to the World Cup finals, so Moore replaced him. Gerry Hitchens, at centre-forward, became the first England player to be capped, while playing for a non-British club; he was still at Inter Milan. The team this day in 1962 was: Springett (Sheff Wed), Armfield (Blackpool), Wilson (Huddersfield), Moore (West Ham), Norman (Spurs), Flowers (Wolves), Douglas (Blackburn R), Hitchen (Aston V), Haynes (Fulham) capt, Greaves (Spurs), Charlton R (Man U).

After Peru, England met Hungary in the real competition, losing 1-2, then beat Argentina 3-1 and drew with Bulgaria 0-0, thus qualifying for the next stage, where they met Brazil, losing 1-3. Brazil met Chile in the semi-final winning 4-2 and Czechoslovakia beat Yugoslavia 3-1. Brazil won the final 3-1 in Santiago. Chile came third.