Former CB Mike England impressed with Seattle Sounders

Those of us old enough to remember football in the 60's will remember former centre-back Mike England MBE, the Welshman who was a colossus at the centre of our defence.



He joined Blackburn Rovers when he was 15, was the youngest Wales captain when appointed at the tender age of 22 and having impressing Bill Nicholson joined Tottenham the day before the new season started in 1966. Back in those days there was no transfer window and he cost a British record transfer fee.

He played in every league game in his first season and marked Tony Hateley out of the FA Cup Final as we beat Chelsea at Wembley to lift the trophy. Brilliant in the air he was good with the ball at his feet at a time when it wasn't considered as important as it is now. This gave him an edge and he hardly missed a game for Spurs during his time with us.

A series of ankle problems saw him announce his retirement in March 1975 although he played a season in the Second Division for Cardiff City before moving to America and playing for the NASL (North American Soccer League) Sounders (Seattle) from 1975-1979 and is the only player in the history of the NASL to earn Best XI honors in four consecutive seasons.

“I come here and I see the progress that’s being made since I was here in the 70s, and it’s quite incredible. The standard that’s acquired is far greater now. When I first came here, there were very few American youngsters that understood the game completely. 
“You had to play four Americans [back then], and quite honestly, we had to work very hard to make sure those four guys could live up to it. So the progress that has been made is quite incredible. It’s lovely to see. And the U.S. National Team…they’ve improved beyond belief.”

Catch the interview with Sounders FC here.

Mike England Honours
F.A. Cup winner - 1967
League Cup Winner - 1971 and 1973
UEFA Cup Winner - 1972

Further Tottenham Reading
Improving decision making will lessen mistakes
It's been quite a change to our defence
The invisible change Pochettino is making


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