Up From The Back: England Defenders With World Cup Goals

Last updated : 25 June 2018 By Three Lions

 

After John Stones double against Panama, a look at other England defenders who have netted on the biggest stage.

In 1990 an extremely tight Group F saw all four teams level on two points each going into the final set of matches after four draws and a similar number of goals.

With Ireland and Holland going head-to-head in the other game, England secured a crucial victory against Egypt in Cagliari as Mark Wright rose highest to meet Paul Gasgoigne's free-kick and send Bobby Robson's side to the mainland of Italy and the knockout stages.

Rio Ferdinand set England on their way to a comfortable victory against Denmark in their 2002 last 16 clash, his header from David Beckham's corner being fumbled over the line by goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

It had also been Beckham's corner in the opening game of the tournament against Sweden that was powered into the net by Sol Cambell.

And the current answer to the question as to who scored England's last goal in a World Cup knockout stage match is Matthew Upson with his header against Germany in 2010 proving to be a consolation only.

The relative rarity of goals from defenders makes it all the more impressive, not just that Stones netted twice against Panama but that England have caused problems from set-pieces in both of their matches in the tournament to date with both of Harry Kane's goals against Tunisia coming after Stones and Harry Maguire had won their headers from corners.