EXCLUSIVE: Forty years after the 'Hand of God', the England player Bobby Robson nearly picked to mark Maradona speaks out
22.06.26, 17:30 Updated 22.06.26, 18:38 6 Minute Read
Chris Eldergill
Forty years ago today, Bobby Robson came surprisingly close to making a decision that might have changed football history.
As Diego Maradona prepared to face England in the World Cup quarter-final at the Estadio Azteca on 22 June 1986, the England manager was wrestling with one of the defining tactical questions of the tournament.
Should somebody be assigned to follow Argentina's captain wherever he went?
The player under consideration was Gary Andrew Stevens.
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Chris Eldergill Former CNN International Sports Editor with extensive World Cup experience. Chris brings a broadcaster’s editorial discipline and the leadership of someone who has run news at major tournaments.