Leeds United - on this day: Jack Charlton bags first England goal ahead of 1966 World Cup glory

On this day 54 years ago...
By Joe Urquhart
Published 26th Jun 2020, 13:01 BST
Updated 26th Jun 2020, 13:04 BST
Leeds United and England legend Jack Charlton pictured at Wembley following the Three Lions World Cup win. (Getty)Leeds United and England legend Jack Charlton pictured at Wembley following the Three Lions World Cup win. (Getty)
Leeds United and England legend Jack Charlton pictured at Wembley following the Three Lions World Cup win. (Getty)

The day...

June 26, 1996

What happened?

Jack Charlton scores his first ever England goal in a World Cup warm-up match against Finland.

The story...

On this day 54 years ago England travelled to Helsinki to take on Finland in a World Cup warm-up match.

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It was a clash that would prove a memorable one for Leeds United legend Jack Charlton, as he bagged his first ever national team goal in a 3-0 victory at the Olympiastadion.

United defender Norman Hunter was also involved as was captain Jimmy Armfield, who would later go on to manage the Whites.

The Three Lions were completing their preparations ahead of hosting the quadrennial tournament.

England famously went on to win the World Cup that summer - the only time they've lifted the trophy - beating West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley.

Related topics:EnglandFinland