This blogger Artur Yanturin of Russia copied many of my blog teams. This blog was one of them. It was my Russia All-Time Team here. His team was written in 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2014. His Spartak Moscow All-Time team entry of was published in October 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2017. His entry of the Dutch-German rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona was written in 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2014. He also copied many many of my blog entries.  |
| Paul Gascoigne in 1992 against Norway but he would have missed the World Cup Finals |
Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.
England
United Kingdom
Sweden World Cup 1950
Austria-Hungary 1954
Argentina World Cup 1958
Scotland World Cup 1970
United Kingdom World Cup 1970
England World Cup 1974
United Kingdom World Cup 1982
Italy Euro 1992
Yugoslavia World Cup 1994
France World Cup 1994
Germany World Cup 2002
Netherlands World Cup 2002
Yugoslavia World Cup 1994
France World Cup 1994
Germany World Cup 2002
Netherlands World Cup 2002
Catalonia World Cup 2010
USA World Cup 2010
Brazil 1982 with Careca, etc
Netherlands Euro 1984
English-born players capped by other national teams
Prediction for the World Cup Qualifying
On paper, this United Kingdom can field the likes of Neville Southall, John Barnes, Alan Shearer, Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs, etc on the same field. Basically, England could reinforce with two of Wales' greatest players. However, none of the British players in 1994 were in their prime. Southall, Barnes and Rush were over 30 years old. Alan Shearer was 22 years while Giggs was only 19 years old at the time of the qualifying rounds.
Formation during the Qualifiers
Paul Gascoigne was injured in April of 1994, but he would still be healthy during the World Cup Qualifying Rounds. Peter Beardsley just joined Newcastle United in the summer of 1993 after disappointing in Everton. He had not played himself in consideration throughout the World Cup Qualifying rounds. Paul Parker or Rob Jones might start ahead of Lee Dixon. David Seaman had not established as England's number one until the summer of 1993. The United Kingdom would probably go with Neville Southall. Colin Hendry made his national debut in May, 1993 for Scotland. So basically, this United Kingdom would only have three additional starters to the original England, namely Gary McAllister, Ian Rush and Gary Southall. So it was not a big upgrade. When I came across the idea of an United Kingdom team, I envisioned a better team.
The First question: Would they even qualified for the World Cup Finals? When I first started this blog team, I never imagined the possibility of this UK team not qualifying. After doing some research, I still think the UK team could qualify, but not as dominating as I anticipated.
Group 1:
In real life, Scotland finished 4th behind Italy, Switzerland and Portugal. Italy would reach the Final in the World Cup Finals with the likes of Roberto Baggio, Franco Baresi, Paulo Maldini, Giuseppe Signori, Roberto Donadoni, etc. Swizterland was having their best team in years with Stéphane Chapuisat and Ciriaco Sforza on their lineup. Portugal had a young team that included two future stars, namely Rui Costa and Luis Figo. They also had Paulo Futre. I do not think the United Kingdom could beat Italy, but beating Switzerland and Portugal were very possible.
Group 2
This group had a clearer indication of the United Kingdom's chance because the majority of the players on the United Kingdom team were from England. England finished third behind Netherlands and Norway. Norway who was considered a minnow before the start of the World Cup Qualifiers was in confortable position throughout the group games. The reinforcement of just a few non-English players might not be able to overcome them. Netherlands was having their rebuilding years. They still had Dennis Bergkamp and Frank Rijkaard. Ruud Gullit had problems with manager Dick Advocaat. He did not play much in the World Cup Qualifiers. Marco Van Basten was out for an entire season. People did not know at the time that he would not be back again. England was only two points behind Netherlands. In real life, England drew 2-2 with Netherlands at home. They surrendered a 85th minute penalty after going up 2-0. England might be able to take all the points with a few additional players. They also could produce a better result against other opponents such as 1-1 away tie with Poland with this UK team.
Gorup 3:
In real life, Northern Ireland stood no chance against Spain, Ireland and Denmark. Spain was not a bad team. They probably have enough to beat this United Kingdom. Denmark was the reigning European Champion with Michael Laudrup back in the team. On paper, Denmark would be difficult for the United Kingdom, but they could not overcome Ireland in real life. Ireland used a lot of English born players under manager Jack Charlton. So on paper, this United Kingdom could handle this "English-based" Irish team easily, but manager Jack Charlton was able to create a team that could beat anybody in 1993 and 1994. Ireland has beaten England at Euro 1988, a result that shocked all across the United Kingdom. They also proved themselves at the 1990 World Cup Finals.
Group 4
Wales finished 4th, but just 3 points away from the top qualifying teams, Romania and Belgium (only two points were awarded for a win in 1993). Romania was having their Golden generation. They would beat England in the 1998 World Cup Finals and the 2000 European Championship. And those two English teams might be better than this UK team. England featured the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholas, Alan Shearer, etc. Of course, Romania was also a much more inexperience team in 1993, but they peaked in the 1994 World Cup Finals. Gheorghe Hagi was in his prime. Belgium and the Czech Republic (finished 3rd in the group) were beatable. The Czechs did not have the same players as their team that reached the Final in Euro 1996.
Prediction at the World Cup Finals
It is impossible to make a prediction or assessment of this team in the 1994 World Cup Finals without knowing the teams in their groups. The seedings were based upon the FIFA rankings at the time and results of the previous three World Cup Finals. If I based my United Kingdom team on England. they probably would be a seeded team as England was ranked 8th in November, 1993 and 11th a month later. Furthermore, England were the semifinalist in the previous World Cup Finals. England probably would take Belgium's place as a seeded team. If i put the UK team on Group F, they would face with the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Morocco. On paper, it should be easy task, but the Saudis beat Belgium to progress with Saeed Al-Owairan scoring one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
This United Kingdom could probably progress to the knockout rounds, given sixteen teams out of 24 also progressed in 1994. So only eight teams were eliminated in the Group Stage.
Beyond that, I am unsure if the United Kingdom could do much. Brazil the eventual winner had a forward line consisted of Romario and Bebeto. Italy had Roberto Baggio and Pablo Maldini, but Franco Baresi was injured throughout the Finals. I don't think that the UK team could beat Sweden, Bulgaria, Germany and Netherlands. The Americans had beaten England in June, 1993. They were not to be underestimated. Nigeria, Romania and even Ireland could beat this team. Argentina had one of the best teams in 1994 when they still had Diego Maradona. But with Maradona's suspension during the Group Stage, Argentina was hard to predict.
CM/RM: Gary McAllister (Scotland/Liverpool)
Garry McAllister started with Motherwell before heading to play in England. He had a lengthy career with Leicester City, Leeds United and Coventry between 1985 and 2000. Then, he played two seasons with Liverpool, winning the 2000 UEFA Cup. In the final, he scored one, and had a hand in three, of the five Liverpool goals in a memorable 5–4 victory. He was awarded the Man of the Match. He had over 50 caps, appearing a single World Cup Finals and two European Championship.
RW/AM: Chris Waddle (England/Sheffield Wednesday)
Waddle mainly played with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspurs, Olympique Marseille and Sheffield Wednesday. He won the 1987 FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspurs. Then, in 1989, he joined Olympique Marseille for 4.5 million pound, which was then the third highest transfer fees. He went to Sheffield Wednesday in 1992, where he reached both FA Cup and League Cup Final. He was voted FWA Player of the Year for that season. He went to the WC Finals in 1986 and 1990.
--
Colin Hendry (Scotland) made his Scotland debut at the age of 27 in
May, 1993. He had some injuries in the 1993-1994 season, but his impact
with his club team Blackburn Rovers was felt. I wanted to add a
non-English player to change things around.
--
Andy Cole was Premier League Golden Boot winner in the 1993-1994
season. He was not selected into the PFA Team of the Year. He did not
make his England debut until 1995. So I went with Ian Rush, Alan
Shearer, Ian Wright and Mark Hughes. They were all big names in 1994. --
Alan Shearer was the FWA Player of the Year that season. He was second
highest scorer in the Premier League behind teammate Andy Cole. Ian
Wright was used regularly for England throughout 1993 and 1994. His
club form was fine, but his output for national team was always
weaker.
USA World Cup 2010
Brazil 1982 with Careca, etc
Netherlands Euro 1984
English-born players capped by other national teams
Spain without Catalan players World Cup 2010
I have create imaginary World Cup teams for United Kingdom in 1970 and 1982 Finals. I do believe United Kingdom could have won the World Cup in 1970 and made a good run in the 1982 World Cup Finals. However, the idea of this United Kingdom's 1994 World Cup team was born out of the weakness from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. In 1993, all four of United Kingdom's national teams failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup Finals in the United States. At the time of writing, it is the only time in history since the British teams first entered the World Cup tournament where none of the British teams qualified for the World Cup Finals. For the 1970 and 1982 United Kingdom team, I was looking at a "Dream Team" that could win it all. For this 1994 team, I was trying to see if this United Kingdom could do better than their original separated national teams.
I have create imaginary World Cup teams for United Kingdom in 1970 and 1982 Finals. I do believe United Kingdom could have won the World Cup in 1970 and made a good run in the 1982 World Cup Finals. However, the idea of this United Kingdom's 1994 World Cup team was born out of the weakness from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. In 1993, all four of United Kingdom's national teams failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup Finals in the United States. At the time of writing, it is the only time in history since the British teams first entered the World Cup tournament where none of the British teams qualified for the World Cup Finals. For the 1970 and 1982 United Kingdom team, I was looking at a "Dream Team" that could win it all. For this 1994 team, I was trying to see if this United Kingdom could do better than their original separated national teams.
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| England at the end of the World Cup Qualifier |
Prediction for the World Cup Qualifying
On paper, this United Kingdom can field the likes of Neville Southall, John Barnes, Alan Shearer, Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs, etc on the same field. Basically, England could reinforce with two of Wales' greatest players. However, none of the British players in 1994 were in their prime. Southall, Barnes and Rush were over 30 years old. Alan Shearer was 22 years while Giggs was only 19 years old at the time of the qualifying rounds.
Formation during the Qualifiers
Paul Gascoigne was injured in April of 1994, but he would still be healthy during the World Cup Qualifying Rounds. Peter Beardsley just joined Newcastle United in the summer of 1993 after disappointing in Everton. He had not played himself in consideration throughout the World Cup Qualifying rounds. Paul Parker or Rob Jones might start ahead of Lee Dixon. David Seaman had not established as England's number one until the summer of 1993. The United Kingdom would probably go with Neville Southall. Colin Hendry made his national debut in May, 1993 for Scotland. So basically, this United Kingdom would only have three additional starters to the original England, namely Gary McAllister, Ian Rush and Gary Southall. So it was not a big upgrade. When I came across the idea of an United Kingdom team, I envisioned a better team.
Group 1:
In real life, Scotland finished 4th behind Italy, Switzerland and Portugal. Italy would reach the Final in the World Cup Finals with the likes of Roberto Baggio, Franco Baresi, Paulo Maldini, Giuseppe Signori, Roberto Donadoni, etc. Swizterland was having their best team in years with Stéphane Chapuisat and Ciriaco Sforza on their lineup. Portugal had a young team that included two future stars, namely Rui Costa and Luis Figo. They also had Paulo Futre. I do not think the United Kingdom could beat Italy, but beating Switzerland and Portugal were very possible.
Group 2
This group had a clearer indication of the United Kingdom's chance because the majority of the players on the United Kingdom team were from England. England finished third behind Netherlands and Norway. Norway who was considered a minnow before the start of the World Cup Qualifiers was in confortable position throughout the group games. The reinforcement of just a few non-English players might not be able to overcome them. Netherlands was having their rebuilding years. They still had Dennis Bergkamp and Frank Rijkaard. Ruud Gullit had problems with manager Dick Advocaat. He did not play much in the World Cup Qualifiers. Marco Van Basten was out for an entire season. People did not know at the time that he would not be back again. England was only two points behind Netherlands. In real life, England drew 2-2 with Netherlands at home. They surrendered a 85th minute penalty after going up 2-0. England might be able to take all the points with a few additional players. They also could produce a better result against other opponents such as 1-1 away tie with Poland with this UK team.
Gorup 3:
In real life, Northern Ireland stood no chance against Spain, Ireland and Denmark. Spain was not a bad team. They probably have enough to beat this United Kingdom. Denmark was the reigning European Champion with Michael Laudrup back in the team. On paper, Denmark would be difficult for the United Kingdom, but they could not overcome Ireland in real life. Ireland used a lot of English born players under manager Jack Charlton. So on paper, this United Kingdom could handle this "English-based" Irish team easily, but manager Jack Charlton was able to create a team that could beat anybody in 1993 and 1994. Ireland has beaten England at Euro 1988, a result that shocked all across the United Kingdom. They also proved themselves at the 1990 World Cup Finals.
Group 4
Wales finished 4th, but just 3 points away from the top qualifying teams, Romania and Belgium (only two points were awarded for a win in 1993). Romania was having their Golden generation. They would beat England in the 1998 World Cup Finals and the 2000 European Championship. And those two English teams might be better than this UK team. England featured the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholas, Alan Shearer, etc. Of course, Romania was also a much more inexperience team in 1993, but they peaked in the 1994 World Cup Finals. Gheorghe Hagi was in his prime. Belgium and the Czech Republic (finished 3rd in the group) were beatable. The Czechs did not have the same players as their team that reached the Final in Euro 1996.
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| Wales World Cup Qualifying team 1993 |
Prediction at the World Cup Finals
It is impossible to make a prediction or assessment of this team in the 1994 World Cup Finals without knowing the teams in their groups. The seedings were based upon the FIFA rankings at the time and results of the previous three World Cup Finals. If I based my United Kingdom team on England. they probably would be a seeded team as England was ranked 8th in November, 1993 and 11th a month later. Furthermore, England were the semifinalist in the previous World Cup Finals. England probably would take Belgium's place as a seeded team. If i put the UK team on Group F, they would face with the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Morocco. On paper, it should be easy task, but the Saudis beat Belgium to progress with Saeed Al-Owairan scoring one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
This United Kingdom could probably progress to the knockout rounds, given sixteen teams out of 24 also progressed in 1994. So only eight teams were eliminated in the Group Stage.
Beyond that, I am unsure if the United Kingdom could do much. Brazil the eventual winner had a forward line consisted of Romario and Bebeto. Italy had Roberto Baggio and Pablo Maldini, but Franco Baresi was injured throughout the Finals. I don't think that the UK team could beat Sweden, Bulgaria, Germany and Netherlands. The Americans had beaten England in June, 1993. They were not to be underestimated. Nigeria, Romania and even Ireland could beat this team. Argentina had one of the best teams in 1994 when they still had Diego Maradona. But with Maradona's suspension during the Group Stage, Argentina was hard to predict.
Team (only 22 allowed in 1994)
GK: Neville Southall (Wales/Everton)
Neville Southall was the FWA Football of the Year in 1985 and one of the few keepers to win the award. He was regarded as one of the best British keeper of his generation in a generation filled with great keepers. He started with Bury, but played most of his career with Everton, where the club was enjoying its most successful period. He won two First Divison title and two FA Cup with them. He had 92 caps for Wales.
GK: David Seaman (England/Arsenal)
The peak of Seaman's career was during his period as Arsenal and England goalkeeper in the 1990s and early 2000s. At Arsenal, he won three league championships, four FA Cups, the League Cup in 1993 and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1994. He also played in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, and Euro 96 and Euro 2000, and is England's second-most capped goalkeeper with 75 caps.
GK: Tim Flowers (England/Blackburn Rovers)
Flowers began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1984. He was Peter Shilton's unberstudy with Southampton before becoming their starter in the 1989–90 season. He was notably part of the Blackburn Rovers side that won the Premier League in 1995. He also played for Swindon Town, Leicester City, Stockport County, Coventry City and Manchester City. He had 11 caps. He went to both Euro 96 in England and the 1998 World Cup.
RB: Lee Dixon (England/Arsenal)
Lee Dixon played as a right-back for Arsenal, Burnley, Bury, Chester City and Stoke City. He was a part of Arsenal's famous back four along with Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn. Dixon is also one of the only players in English football history to have won a league title in three different decades with the same club.
CB: Tony Adams (England/Arsenal)
Tony Adams is a club legend and one club man with Arsenal who became the club captain at the age of 21. A stature of him is erected at the Emirates Stadium. He formed the legendary backline with Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn and Steve Bould with club. He was a fixture for England from 1987 to 2000. For England, he had 66 caps and served as its captain at one point. He played in the World Cup Finals in 1998 and went to three European Championship.
CB: Des Walker (England/Sheffield Wednesday)
Walker played 59 times for England. He started in all of England;'s games at the World Cup Finals in 1990. He was rated as one of the best defender at that Finals. For club football, he mainly played for Nottingham Forrest and Sheffield Wednesday. He played one season at Sampdoria in then 1992-1993 season. He was Forest's player of the year three times. On four straight occasions at Forest he was selected for the PFA Team of the Year.
CB: Gary Pallister (England/Manchester United)
Pallister played for Middlesbrough before he moved to Manchester United in 1989. His transfer broke the national record for a fee paid for a defender, as well as being the highest fee between British clubs. By the time of his departure from Old Trafford after nine years, he was the only player to have collected winner's medals in all of the club's successes under Alex Ferguson's management. He was capped 22 times.
CB: Colin Hendry (Scotland/Blackburn Rovers)
Hendry started his career with Dundee in 1983. and spent spells at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Rangers, Coventry City, Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool. He was part of the Blackburn squad that won the English Premiership in 1995 and the Rangers squad that won the Scottish domestic treble in 1998–99. He played 51 caps for Scotland. He captained Scotland in the 1998 World Cup.
LB: Stuart Pearce (England/Nottingham Forrest)
Stuart Pearce was a club legend with Nottingham Forrest. He was the club's most capped international player with 78 caps between 1987 and 1999. He played at the World Cup Finals in 1990 and the European championship in 1996 at home, where England had the best two results since the World Cup win in 1966. He also played for Wealdstone, Coventry City, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Manchester City.
LB: Tony Dorigo (England/Leeds United)
Born in Australia, Tony Dorigo chose to represent England. He had 15 caps. He went to the European Championship in 1988 and 1992 as well as the 1990 World Cup Finals. For his club career, he played for He played for Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds United, Torino, Derby County and Stoke City. He had lengthy spells with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Leeds United.
DM: Paul Ince (England/Manchester United)
From 1992 to 2000, Paul Ince was capped 53 times. He was a key player for England at Euro 1996, WC 1998 and Euro 2000. For his club career, he started with West Ham, but his best known stints were with Liverpool, Inter Milan and Manchester United. He is one of the few players who played and starred for both Liverpool and Manchester United.
CM: David Platt (England/Sampdoria)
Platt began his career as an apprentice at Manchester United but later moved to Crewe Alexandra where he began building a reputation as a goal scoring midfield player. In 1988, he signed for Aston Villa and made his debut for England a year later. At the 1990 World Cup, his performances in Italy earned him a move to Bari in 1991. In 1992, Platt moved to Juventus, where he spent one season. In 1993, he moved to Sampdoria where he stayed for two seasons before returning to England with Arsenal. Capped 75 times.
Neville Southall was the FWA Football of the Year in 1985 and one of the few keepers to win the award. He was regarded as one of the best British keeper of his generation in a generation filled with great keepers. He started with Bury, but played most of his career with Everton, where the club was enjoying its most successful period. He won two First Divison title and two FA Cup with them. He had 92 caps for Wales.
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| Ian Rush and Neville Southall |
The peak of Seaman's career was during his period as Arsenal and England goalkeeper in the 1990s and early 2000s. At Arsenal, he won three league championships, four FA Cups, the League Cup in 1993 and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1994. He also played in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, and Euro 96 and Euro 2000, and is England's second-most capped goalkeeper with 75 caps.
Flowers began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1984. He was Peter Shilton's unberstudy with Southampton before becoming their starter in the 1989–90 season. He was notably part of the Blackburn Rovers side that won the Premier League in 1995. He also played for Swindon Town, Leicester City, Stockport County, Coventry City and Manchester City. He had 11 caps. He went to both Euro 96 in England and the 1998 World Cup.
RB: Lee Dixon (England/Arsenal)
Lee Dixon played as a right-back for Arsenal, Burnley, Bury, Chester City and Stoke City. He was a part of Arsenal's famous back four along with Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn. Dixon is also one of the only players in English football history to have won a league title in three different decades with the same club.
CB: Tony Adams (England/Arsenal)
Tony Adams is a club legend and one club man with Arsenal who became the club captain at the age of 21. A stature of him is erected at the Emirates Stadium. He formed the legendary backline with Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn and Steve Bould with club. He was a fixture for England from 1987 to 2000. For England, he had 66 caps and served as its captain at one point. He played in the World Cup Finals in 1998 and went to three European Championship.
CB: Des Walker (England/Sheffield Wednesday)
Walker played 59 times for England. He started in all of England;'s games at the World Cup Finals in 1990. He was rated as one of the best defender at that Finals. For club football, he mainly played for Nottingham Forrest and Sheffield Wednesday. He played one season at Sampdoria in then 1992-1993 season. He was Forest's player of the year three times. On four straight occasions at Forest he was selected for the PFA Team of the Year.
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| Des Walker in the World Cup Qualifiers |
Pallister played for Middlesbrough before he moved to Manchester United in 1989. His transfer broke the national record for a fee paid for a defender, as well as being the highest fee between British clubs. By the time of his departure from Old Trafford after nine years, he was the only player to have collected winner's medals in all of the club's successes under Alex Ferguson's management. He was capped 22 times.
CB: Colin Hendry (Scotland/Blackburn Rovers)
Hendry started his career with Dundee in 1983. and spent spells at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Rangers, Coventry City, Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool. He was part of the Blackburn squad that won the English Premiership in 1995 and the Rangers squad that won the Scottish domestic treble in 1998–99. He played 51 caps for Scotland. He captained Scotland in the 1998 World Cup.
LB: Stuart Pearce (England/Nottingham Forrest)
Stuart Pearce was a club legend with Nottingham Forrest. He was the club's most capped international player with 78 caps between 1987 and 1999. He played at the World Cup Finals in 1990 and the European championship in 1996 at home, where England had the best two results since the World Cup win in 1966. He also played for Wealdstone, Coventry City, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Manchester City.
LB: Tony Dorigo (England/Leeds United)
Born in Australia, Tony Dorigo chose to represent England. He had 15 caps. He went to the European Championship in 1988 and 1992 as well as the 1990 World Cup Finals. For his club career, he played for He played for Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds United, Torino, Derby County and Stoke City. He had lengthy spells with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Leeds United.
DM: Paul Ince (England/Manchester United)
From 1992 to 2000, Paul Ince was capped 53 times. He was a key player for England at Euro 1996, WC 1998 and Euro 2000. For his club career, he started with West Ham, but his best known stints were with Liverpool, Inter Milan and Manchester United. He is one of the few players who played and starred for both Liverpool and Manchester United.
CM: David Batty (England/Blackburn Rovers)
David Batty is most famous for playing for Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. He won league titles with both Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers, but his role with Blackburn Riovers was limited by an injury. He was capped for the England national football team, and representing the nation at UEFA Euro 1992 and the 1998 World Cup.
David Batty is most famous for playing for Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. He won league titles with both Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers, but his role with Blackburn Riovers was limited by an injury. He was capped for the England national football team, and representing the nation at UEFA Euro 1992 and the 1998 World Cup.
CM: David Platt (England/Sampdoria)
Platt began his career as an apprentice at Manchester United but later moved to Crewe Alexandra where he began building a reputation as a goal scoring midfield player. In 1988, he signed for Aston Villa and made his debut for England a year later. At the 1990 World Cup, his performances in Italy earned him a move to Bari in 1991. In 1992, Platt moved to Juventus, where he spent one season. In 1993, he moved to Sampdoria where he stayed for two seasons before returning to England with Arsenal. Capped 75 times.
CM/RM: Gary McAllister (Scotland/Liverpool)
Garry McAllister started with Motherwell before heading to play in England. He had a lengthy career with Leicester City, Leeds United and Coventry between 1985 and 2000. Then, he played two seasons with Liverpool, winning the 2000 UEFA Cup. In the final, he scored one, and had a hand in three, of the five Liverpool goals in a memorable 5–4 victory. He was awarded the Man of the Match. He had over 50 caps, appearing a single World Cup Finals and two European Championship.
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| Gary McAllister |
Waddle mainly played with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspurs, Olympique Marseille and Sheffield Wednesday. He won the 1987 FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspurs. Then, in 1989, he joined Olympique Marseille for 4.5 million pound, which was then the third highest transfer fees. He went to Sheffield Wednesday in 1992, where he reached both FA Cup and League Cup Final. He was voted FWA Player of the Year for that season. He went to the WC Finals in 1986 and 1990.
LW: Ryan Giggs (Wales/Manchester United)
CM/LW: John Barnes (England/Liverpool)John
Barnes was widely considered to be one of the greatest Liverpool
players, where he formed one of their greatest team playing alongside
Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley, John Aldridge and Ray Houghton. Before
joining Liverpool, he played for Watford. At Watford, he also helped
them to the Final of the FA Cup in 1984. He was voted PFA Player of the
Year in 1988 and FWA Player of the Year in both 1988 and 1990.
FW/SS: Peter Beardsley (England/Liverpool)
Peter Beardsley was one of the few players i history to have played for Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City. His first successes came in the early 1980's while playing for Newcastle United. In 1987, he joined Liverpool as the most expensive player in England's history. Together with John Barnes, they formed one of the best English sides of the later 1980's.
ST: Ian Rush (Wales/Liverpool)
Ian Rush was voted as the third greatest Liverpool player by fans in 2013. He is the Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer, with 346 goals. He won both the PFA Player of the year and FWA Player of the Year in 1984. he was European Golden Boot winner in the same year. He also had short spells with Chester City, Juventus, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Wrexham and Sydney Olympic. Rush made 73 appearances for Wales between 1980 and 1996.
ST: Ian Wright (England/Arsenal)
Wright was a legendary striker with Arsenal. Before joining Arsenal, he was a hero with Crystal Palace. At the time of writing, he was their highest goal scorer since the War. In 1991, he joined Arsenal. He spent 7 seasons with them, winning all three domestic trophies and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1994. Despite being a top scorer in the domestic league(he scored over 20 goals every season from 1991 to 1998), he only played 33 times for England and was never selected for any of the major tournaments.
Giggs was Sir Alex's longest serving player at Manchester United, where he played from 1990 to 2014. He also holds the club record for competitive appearances. During
his time at United, he won 13 Premier League winner's medals, four FA
Cup winner's medals, three League Cup winner's medals and two Champions
League winner's medals. He is widely considered one of the greatest
British wingers in modern history. He played 64 times for Wales. He led
Great Britain at the London Olypmpics in 2012.
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| Ryan Giggs World Cup Qualifier 1993 |
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| John Barnes in 1993 |
Peter Beardsley was one of the few players i history to have played for Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City. His first successes came in the early 1980's while playing for Newcastle United. In 1987, he joined Liverpool as the most expensive player in England's history. Together with John Barnes, they formed one of the best English sides of the later 1980's.
ST: Ian Rush (Wales/Liverpool)
Ian Rush was voted as the third greatest Liverpool player by fans in 2013. He is the Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer, with 346 goals. He won both the PFA Player of the year and FWA Player of the Year in 1984. he was European Golden Boot winner in the same year. He also had short spells with Chester City, Juventus, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Wrexham and Sydney Olympic. Rush made 73 appearances for Wales between 1980 and 1996.
ST: Ian Wright (England/Arsenal)
Wright was a legendary striker with Arsenal. Before joining Arsenal, he was a hero with Crystal Palace. At the time of writing, he was their highest goal scorer since the War. In 1991, he joined Arsenal. He spent 7 seasons with them, winning all three domestic trophies and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1994. Despite being a top scorer in the domestic league(he scored over 20 goals every season from 1991 to 1998), he only played 33 times for England and was never selected for any of the major tournaments.
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| Ian Wright |
ST: Mark Hughes (Wales/Manchester United)
Mark Hughes was best remembered for his spells with Manchester United. He won two Premier League title medals, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two European Cup Winners' Cups. He was the first player to win the PFA Players' Player of the Year award twice, in 1989 and 1991. He also played for Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as well as the English clubs Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and finally Blackburn Rovers.
ST: Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers)
Shearer is the all-time leading top-scorer for the Premiership. In 1992, he joined Blackburn Rovers from Southampton in a record transfer. He won the Premiership for 1994-1995 season. In 1996, he joined his home town club, Newcastle United for a world record transfer fees. He was FWA Player of the Year in 1994, and PFA Player of the Year in 1995 and 1997. For England, he earned 63 caps. In 1996, he led England to the semi-final of Euro 1996 at home, himself winning the Golden boot award.
Players considered
Barry Horne (Wales/Everton), Steve Morrow (Northern Ireland/Arsenal), Andy Sinton (England/Sheffield Wednesday), Stuart Ripley (England/Blackburn Rovers), David Batty (England/Blackburn Rovers), Dean Saunders (Wales/Aston Villa), Paul Merson (England/Arsenal), Gary Speed (Wales/Leeds Uniteds), Paul Gascoigne (England/Lazio), Les Ferdinand (England/QPR), Paul Parker (England/Manchester United), Robert Lee (Newcastle United/England). Rob Jones (England/Liverpool), Stuart Ripley (England/Blackburn Rovers), Andy Cole (England/Newcastle), Carlton Palmer (England/Sheffield Wednesday).
Squad Explanation
-- I did a review of the team in July, 2023. I felt very uncomfortable with my selections.
Mark Hughes was best remembered for his spells with Manchester United. He won two Premier League title medals, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two European Cup Winners' Cups. He was the first player to win the PFA Players' Player of the Year award twice, in 1989 and 1991. He also played for Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as well as the English clubs Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and finally Blackburn Rovers.
ST: Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers)
Shearer is the all-time leading top-scorer for the Premiership. In 1992, he joined Blackburn Rovers from Southampton in a record transfer. He won the Premiership for 1994-1995 season. In 1996, he joined his home town club, Newcastle United for a world record transfer fees. He was FWA Player of the Year in 1994, and PFA Player of the Year in 1995 and 1997. For England, he earned 63 caps. In 1996, he led England to the semi-final of Euro 1996 at home, himself winning the Golden boot award.
 |
| Alan Shearer against Norway in the World Cup Qualifiers |
Players considered
Barry Horne (Wales/Everton), Steve Morrow (Northern Ireland/Arsenal), Andy Sinton (England/Sheffield Wednesday), Stuart Ripley (England/Blackburn Rovers), David Batty (England/Blackburn Rovers), Dean Saunders (Wales/Aston Villa), Paul Merson (England/Arsenal), Gary Speed (Wales/Leeds Uniteds), Paul Gascoigne (England/Lazio), Les Ferdinand (England/QPR), Paul Parker (England/Manchester United), Robert Lee (Newcastle United/England). Rob Jones (England/Liverpool), Stuart Ripley (England/Blackburn Rovers), Andy Cole (England/Newcastle), Carlton Palmer (England/Sheffield Wednesday).
Squad Explanation
-- I did a review of the team in July, 2023. I felt very uncomfortable with my selections.
--
The team is dominated with 16 English players. With exception of Peter
Beardsley and Chris Waddle, all English players considered were based
upon the numbers of caps earned during the World Cup Qualifiers.
Basically, this was England's team with reinforcement from other British
players. The non-English selections are Neville Southall (Wales), Ryan
Giggs (Wales), Mark Hughes (Wales), Ian Rush (Wales), Gary McAllister
(Scotland) and Colin Hendry (Scotland). Chris Waddle and Peter
Beardsley would be considered reinforcements since he took no part in
the World Cup Qualifiers.
--
I had a lot of doubts even for my own team. John Barnes over Lee
Sharpe in 1994 might not be a wise move. The inclusion of Des Walker
was questionable. I also ignored younger players such as Matt Le Tissier, Gary Speed, Darren Anderton, Graeme Le Saux, Andy Cole and Les Ferdinand, which would be terrible mistakes. To
be realistic, I left off the injured Paul Gascoigne, but I brought back
Chris Waddle, especially he had some injuries around that time.
--
Most of the players from Northern Ireland were not as well known as
their counterparts from the Home Nations. Steve Morrow was the only
player considered. For United Kingdom 1970 team, I took Mike England because he was the only player from Wales. I did not do that for Morrow for this team.
--
England played in the 1993 US Cup a tournament which served as
preparation for the United States to host the World Cup Finals a year
later. Brazil, Germany, the United States and England participated in a
Round-robin tournament. England finished last with just a draw against
Brazil.
--
Right before the World Cup Finals, England played two qualified teams
in May, 1994. They beat Greece 5-0 and drew Norway 0-0. I did not
really use the lineups as my reference. I did select Peter Beardsley (see below).
-- Manchester United won the Double that season. Mark Hughes, Ryan Giggs, Paul Ince and Gary Pallister made the team.
-- I reunited John Barnes, Ian Rush and Peter Beardsley, but it was a decision probably puzzled by many (See below).
Goalkeeper
--
Chris Wood was blamed for the 2-0 loss against the USA in the summer of
1993. He was never called up again by England. David Seaman played in
the most critical games of the World Cup Qualifiers later that year.
Between June 1993 to June 1994, Tim Flowers was the only goalkeeper used
by England. He was also the goalkeeper on the PFA Team of the Year. So
from England, I only went with Seaman and Flowers. Nigel Martyn
(Crystal Palace) was the only other goalkeeper played who played for
manager Graham Taylor, but he was actually playing in the First Division
that season. Instead, I took Neville Southall. He was 35 at the time of the World Cup Finals, but still highly regarded. -- Scotland's Andy
Goram was the starting goalkeeper for Scotland at Euro 1992, but he
suffered a serious injury in 1993. He did not return to action until
the Spring of 1994. During this time, Jimmy Leighton's club career was
revitalised with Hibernian, but between 1991 and 1993, he was not playing much club football. The United Kingdom probably would take David Seaman, Tim Flowers and Neville Southall.
Defenders
-- Both Tony Adams and Gary Pallister
were on the PFA Team of the Year. Adams was a vital part of England's
World Cup Qualifiers. He led Arsenal winning the European Cup Winners'
Cup. Pallister was a part of Manchester United's Domestic Double that
season.  |
| Tony Adams |
--
Martin Keown and Steve Bould were fighting for a spot at the club
level, but Bould was overlooked by England during this period. Bould
remained an uncapped player until the summer of 1994. I tried to keep
real-life capped players. So he was out of the question. Keown was
mainly a bench player on England's team. In the end, I took Des Walker
for his experience who also started on the England's last match of the
World Cup Qualifiers against San Marino. He had a poor spell
with Sampdoria the season before, and a bad performance against the
Netherlands in the World Cup Qualifiers which forced Graham Taylor to
use the Adams-Pallister duo. Nevertheless, he was still England's best
defender by reputation in 1994.
--
Stuart Pearce was an easy selection for the leftback position. England
also used Lee Dixon, Paul Parker and Rob Jones as rightbacks. I took
Dixon who was probably the most famous of the lot because he was a part of the famous back four in Arsenal. He also started the
last game of the World Cup Qualifiers against San Marino. Leftback Tony
Dorigo was used in the early matches of the World Cup
Qualifiers. Graeme Le Saux made his debut in early 1994 under new
England manager Terry Venables, but I decided to take the more
experienced fullbacks.
--
Steve Morrow was in and out of the lineup that season with Arsenal. He
scored the winner, but had a famous injury after the 1993 League Cup
Final after he was dropped by Tony Adams in the celebrations after the
match.
Midfielders/Wingers
--
Paul Ince became England's first ever Black captain during the tour of
the United States in 1993. He had established himself as a regular
selection for England.
-- Graham Taylor also used rightwing Darren Anderton regularly. Terry Venables continued to start him in 1994 after he took over.
-- In April, 1994. Paul Gascoigne was injured by club mate Alessandro Nest during training in Italy. He would not be available for the World Cup Finals. I have taken injured players on some of my imaginary blog teams to reinforce the team. However, since this team was not about a "Dream Team" that set to conquer the world, I decided not to take him. This blog team was about the survival of the team against all odds. The injury of Gazza would be the one of the odds. During the review of the team in 2023, I added Chris Waddle, which would be hypocritical for Gazza, but they played in different positions.
-- Graham Taylor also used rightwing Darren Anderton regularly. Terry Venables continued to start him in 1994 after he took over.
-- In April, 1994. Paul Gascoigne was injured by club mate Alessandro Nest during training in Italy. He would not be available for the World Cup Finals. I have taken injured players on some of my imaginary blog teams to reinforce the team. However, since this team was not about a "Dream Team" that set to conquer the world, I decided not to take him. This blog team was about the survival of the team against all odds. The injury of Gazza would be the one of the odds. During the review of the team in 2023, I added Chris Waddle, which would be hypocritical for Gazza, but they played in different positions.
--
Matt Le Tissier had a strong 1993-1994 season. It was his highest
scoring league season with 25 league goals (20 league goals and another
10 in FA Cup and League Cup the season after). But
he had not made his international debut with England until the summer
of 1994. He played in two friendly matches in May, 1994 against Greece
and Norway. Without Paul Gascoigne, he might be the perfect replacement.
However, during his career, a succession of English managers ignored
him. To keep things realistic, I also ignored him.
--
Blackburn Rovers paid Leeds United £2.75million for David Batty in
October 1993. David Batty was on the PFA Team of the Year alongside Gary
McAllister (Scotland). In turn, Leeds United used Batty's transfer money to buy Carlton
Palmer in the summer of 1994. Palmer played his last international
match at that critical qualifier against the Netherlands. He was also
one of the most unloved English international players. For this team, I
went with Batty and McAllister, largely because of the PFA award. Andy
Sinton was also considered.
-- Paul
Merson's lifestyle was an issue for many managers. He played under
Graham Taylor throughout the period, but new manager Terry Venables did
not want him. For this imaginary United Kingdom team, I am the
manager. I decided not to risk his inclusion to the team.
-- David Platt led England in goal scoring during the World Cup Qualifiers with 7 goals. Ian Wright was in second with 5 goals.
-- David Platt led England in goal scoring during the World Cup Qualifiers with 7 goals. Ian Wright was in second with 5 goals.
 |
| David Platt |
--
Darren Anderton was uncapped until 1994. So I took him out of
contention. Instead, I took Chris Waddle. He had underused player for
England and he had many issues with Graham Taylor and others by 1994.
His critics said that his style did not fit England's team. He was 33
years old at the time of the World Cup Finals. However, he was named
the FWA Footballer of the Year for the 1992–93 season. He had a good
season with Sheffield Wednesday the following season, but suffered some
injured. Liked Le Tissier, Waddle was ignored by various England's
manager, but this right wing position was in short of a star player more
than the midfield position. In real life, the other winger Stuart
Ripley only earned 2 caps, and his England career ended with the World
Cup Qualifier.
--
Ryan Giggs has became a key player for Manchester United by the
1993-1994 season. John Barnes played regularly in the World Cup
Qualifiers, but was dropped after the USA Cup in 1993. He was booed off
by the English fans in one of the matches largely because his loyalty
to England was questioned. In the 1993-1994 season, Lee Sharpe was
still considered one of the best young players in England. He played
more than Barnes during the World Cup Qualifiers. At the club level,
Giggs had taken over his left wing position with Manchester United, but
Sharpe still played 30 games and had 11 goals that season, which was his
career best. In
the end, I took John Barnes who had more experience than Lee Sharpe. In
1994, I probably would receive a lot of criticism from the fans, the
pundits, etc for doing that. Sharpe was an upcoming star while Barnes
was not a popular player in that period of time. At the same time, some
fans would want me to reunite Rush, Barnes and Peter Beardsley who had
regained his form that season. Personally, I am a football historical
blogger. Nostalgia got to me, in which the trio going to a World Cup
Finals would be too sentimental to pass up. Furthermore, I saw Barnes
of a winger/midfield hybrid. By
the early 1990's, Barnes had became a midfielder. The midfield corps
consisted only of Gary McAllister, Paul Ince, David Batty and David
Platt. Barnes was needed there. Graham Taylor had played both Barnes and Sharpe on the same field, but I won't do that. Barnes would also backup Giggs.
--
Gary Speed could be a left midfielder. He might be a more in form
player than Barnes, but Barnes was a more seasonal professional. I left
Speed off the team. In real life, Andy Sinton’s international career ended after the win at San Marino.
Forwards
--
Peter Beardsley joined Newcastle United in the summer of 1993. He
helped Andy Cole to become the top scorer of the Premiership in the
1993-1994 season. Peter Beardsley was on the PFA Team of the Year.
However, he was uncapped during the World Cup Qualifiers because he had
not fully revitalised his career until afterward, but I would bring him
back for his performance in the 1993-1994 season.
 |
| John Barnes and Peter Beardsley |
--
Mark Hughes scored 22 goals for Manchester United. He was three goals
behind Eric Cantona. Manchester United won the Domestic Double that
season.
--
Les Ferdinand was in fine form for England. He scored 18 goals for
QPR. He was an upcoming player in 1994, but I opted for the bigger
names in football.
--
Ian Rush only scored 19 goals that season, but he remained Liverpool's
top scorer. But he scored 11 goals during the last two months of the
season. He would be in form heading toward the World Cup Finals. So it
would be hard to ignore a big name player with so an amazing form and
scoring steak.
--
Here were some of the other candidates. Robbie Fowler debuted for
Liverpool that season. He had 18 goals as a comparison. However, he
was not in consideration due to his age in 1994. He did not make his
senior national debut until 1996. Nigel Clough lost his starting spot to
him in Liverpool during the season. He also never represented England
again after the 1993 US Cup.
-- Terry Sheringham made his international debut, but it would be hard to select him over the four strikers.
-- Ally
McCoist played in Scotland's World Cup Qualifiers, but he was bothered
by injuries throughout the 1993-1994 season. He only scored 11 goals
that season.
Formation
As mentioned, Paul Gascoigne was injured and missed the tournament. Instead, I put the 20 years old Ryan Giggs into the starting lineup. His youthfulness would benefit the team. I still stayed with Southall in goal. Peter Beardsley might start ahead of Gary McAllister.
As mentioned, Paul Gascoigne was injured and missed the tournament. Instead, I put the 20 years old Ryan Giggs into the starting lineup. His youthfulness would benefit the team. I still stayed with Southall in goal. Peter Beardsley might start ahead of Gary McAllister.
