Finland 1-2 England (1992)

England have to come from behind to win their final friendly before Euro 92 away to Finland in June 1992. David Platt scores both England's goals, in a match where they lose John Barnes through injury in the opening minutes. Gary Lineker is inches away from scoring to equal Bobby Charlton's record of 49 England goals.

[@BrooksterMax]

David Platt was a great player. Some quality finishes here.

[@darrenwilson8042]

also often overlooked is that he was asst manager to Roberto Mancini when Man City won their first PL title. The guy has props.

[@darrenwilson8042]

Did the cows come onto the pitch to graze at half time - that pitch may be green but jeez the state of the surface

[@otimoluk]

Always remember this for Alan Hansen tearing into the England defence after the match referring to their "flat back five"

[@tombutler6451]

That sounds like Al!We had plenty of quality CB’s to choose from as usual but why did he play a back 5 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

[@tombutler6451]

I remember being absolutely gutted for Barnsey after this 🥲 tbf to Taylor we had a few injuries before the finals but we still had the talent however & not picking Ince & Wright was unforgivable!

[@thelstanedwardsson4374]

Waddle, Beardsley, Steven, all eventually dropped... Taylor was clueless. Decent guy outside of Football, but was only a good Club manager.

[@sarnobat2000]

I didn't realize until watching this now, I thought the Finland player stood on his ankle or hit him on the neck with his elbow and I was angry about it.

[@gregorywhite7987]

John Barnes never really recovered from the injury he sustained to his Achilles.

[@richardgere9365]

How true. J.B. was absolutely bedevilled by injuries circa 91-93 and was never the same player. Huge shame that the tendon gave in here, because Euro '92 was his last chance (and Barnes had many) to make a significant impact in an international football tournament.

[@Eclipse2582]

@@richardgere9365 Sorry, the second half of that post is, with all due respect, nonsense. John Barnes' England career might not have glittered the way it did like his time at Watford and early Liverpool years, but he made more of an impact for England than most did. His goal against Brazil in the Maracana in 1984 remains the greatest ever individual goal scored by an England player, and his appearance off the bench very nearly turned the infamous 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final against Argentina around.

[@simondelaney6483]

Barnes should never have been considered for this and Euro92 as he had missed so many games for us that season. He should have concentrated on getting fit and having a proper pre season.

[@samsonwilkinson8090]

What the hell am I watching?