Gary Lineker, Geoff Hurst And Wayne Rooney: England World Cup Number 10s

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The number ten jersey is traditionally associated with the sort of player who combines skill in possession with game-changing vision and an imagination of approach. Great players who have made this role their own include Premier League legends such as Gianfranco Zola and Dennis Bergkamp and, given the remarkable start to his career, England's current number ten Wayne Rooney looks to be cast in the same mould. In the past, England number tens, such as Geoff Hurst and Gary Lineker, have had a big impact at the World Cup finals, a record Rooney will look to continue in South Africa.

The only England player ever to score a hat-trick at a World Cup final, Geoff Hurst is arguably the most famous wearer of the number ten shirt. Hurst's second goal in the final against West Germany forms part of English football fans' collective consciousness. Hurst scored 24 times in 49 appearances for England and, remarkably, the World Cup Final was just his eighth cap. He is fondly remembered for his industriousness and potent aerial ability.

Although not remembered for his heading, Gary Lineker cemented his place amongst England's World Cup legends at the 1986 and 1990 finals. The former Everton and Tottenham striker is the Three Lions' record World Cup goalscorer, with 10 goals in 12 appearances finals appearances, including a remarkable - and vital - 37-minute hat-trick against Poland.

Hurst and Lineker were prolific and instinctive goalscorers, but they were not perhaps creative number tens. In Wayne Rooney, England manager Fabio Capello has at his disposal a player more than happy to be either goal poacher or goal maker. With 34 goals in all competitions, his club form for Manchester United this season was scintillating. After Rooney failed to score in Germany wearing number nine and given the goalscoring tradition established by Hurst and Lineker, it could be a good omen that he has been handed the number ten shirt this time around.

About the Author:
Wayne Rooney,
Gary Lineker,
Geoff Hurst



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