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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Chris Evans

The game that set Gary Lineker on the path to global superstardom

Gary Lineker waves to supporters after scoring all three goals in England’s 3-0 win over Poland at the World Cup in 1986
Gary Lineker waves to supporters after scoring all three goals in England’s 3-0 win over Poland at the World Cup in 1986. Photograph: Reuters

The browbeaten striker looked forlornly to the floor, the whistles of derision ringing in his ears. The stadium may only have been partially full of travelling England fans but the seething frustration was unmistakable as their emotion poured on to the pitch.

Lining the sparse terraces draped in union flags, the ragtag collection of supporters – many of them shirtless – got as close to the pitch as possible to spew their thoughts at their own players.

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