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England’s horizons were rather different when Paul Mariner scored the most important goal of his international career.
It was November 1981, Hungary were the visitors to Wembley and World Cup qualification was in the balance after the shock of losing the previous game in Norway.
England, having failed to reach the finals in 1974 or 1978, had to win and they staggered over the line on a night of high tension thanks to Mariner, who turned a wayward shot by Trevor Brooking into the net.
Former England and Ipswich centre forward Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68-years-old
The goal sparked a run of rich form, six goals in five consecutive games for his country.
He led the line in the World Cup and Ron Greenwood’s team returned home after the second group stage, unbeaten and having conceded only once.
Mariner, who died on Friday aged 68 after suffering brain cancer, scored 13 goals in 35 games for England.
He is perhaps best remembered as the swashbuckling centre forward in the wonderful Ipswich Town team who won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup under Bobby Robson.
