What Are England’s Biggest Wins In Recent Times?
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Over the past few days, there has been much controversy over England’s 10-0 mauling of San Marino. The likes of Michael Owen have been crying out for a change in the structure of international competition, citing these uncompetitive fixtures as reason.
Harry Kane managed to put away four goals in the first half of this game and it is true that the minnows were completely outclassed. However, it is not the first time that an England side have run riot against an inferior football team. For historical reference, here are a few other times England have absolutely hammered other nations. It should be noted that England have won by more than those ten goals on four other occasions, all of which are over 100 years’ ago.
We are going to confine our list to recent times though. Here it is…
England 9-0 Luxembourg – 1982
Amazingly this victory did European Championship qualifier did not help propel England to the tournament in 1984. A hat-trick from Luther Blissett was undoubtedly the highlight of the game, while Steve Coppell, Tony Woodcock, Mark Chamberlain, Glenn Hoddle and Phil Neal were also among the goals. There was also an OG in there for good measure.
Nowadays, the tiny European country of Luxembourg are a different proposition altogether. For instance, they even managed to pick up a victory against the Republic of Ireland in the current World Cup qualifying campaign.
One thing is for sure and that is that these two teams probably shouldn’t be playing each other with the difference in ability that is at play. Be in Qatar and get tickets for England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and watch them in the Group stages and potentially all the way until the World Cup Final.
Turkey 0-8 England – 1984
This victory was even more impressive, as Turkey are traditionally a much stronger side than Luxembourg. It was a Bobby Robson team again and Bryan Robson’s scored a hat-trick, with Tony Woodcock and John Barnes both grabbing a brace and Viv Anderson completing the scoring.
England 8-0 Turkey – 1987
The Turks were once again the victims, as Gary Lineker was the hat-trick hero this time. John Barnes once again scored twice, while Bryan Robson, Peter Beardsley and Neil Webb also tormented the away side.
This was part of a group that England won to qualify for Euro88, a tournament that didn’t live long in the memory of Three Lions’ fans.
San Marino 0-8 England – 2013
The recent win wasn’t the first time England players boosted their overall stats against San Marino. In what was one of the high points of Roy Hodgson’s reign, Daniel Sturridge, Frank Lampard, Alex Oxalade-Chamberlain all scored. Jermain Defoe got two, while an OG and a goal from both Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney all combined to give England their biggest win since the 80s.
All of these victories preceded disappointing tournaments for the English. Whether the latest San Marino drubbing is a sign of better things to come, only time will tell.
Read our article on the impressive statistics for the next world cup.
