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England 1982: The forgotten team in the greatest World Cup summer

GARY JORDAN's vivid account of how England’s 1982 campaign rebuilt belief after a decade in World Cup exile. Here, he looks back on the summer that revived a nation’s faith – in a standout tournament in Spain, which in the eyes of many was the greatest ever.

20.03.26, 15:30 Updated 22.03.26, 23:07 10 Minute Read

Gary Jordan

Gary Jordan

When you think back to historical World Cup tournament moments that involve England, it would be easy to think of the 1966 Final, and the “they think it’s all over” soundbite that accompanies Geoff Hurst’s walloping of his hat-trick goal to seal the only time our national side has lifted the trophy (albeit the then‑named Jules Rimet version).

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Gary Jordan

Gary Jordan Author of Out of the Shadows: The Story of the 1982 World Cup Team. A long-time observer of England, he brings historical perspective and an enduring optimism shaped by decades following the national side.

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