Gary Lineker relives his first goal for England in 1985

Friday 05 Jun 2015
Gary Lineker scored his first England goal against Ireland at Wembley

Gary Lineker scored 48 goals for England and his memorable first came in a game against Republic of Ireland.

That encounter in 1985, Lineker's second of 80 caps, was the last time the Three Lions beat the Irish.

Republic of Ireland v England

International Match
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
1pm Sunday 7 June 2015
Live on ITV 1

And with Roy Hodgson's men travelling to Dublin to take on Republic of Ireland on Sunday, the 54-year-old looked back on his opening England strike with fond memories.

"This was my first start, I was 24, close to 25 years old," he told FATV. "It was my first game at Wembley, it's pretty hard to describe the amount of pride - and nerves - that you feel at that particular time.

"There I am looking fresh-faced and young, like one of my sons," smiled the ex-Barcelona hitman as he watched the highlights.

"I've watched the goal a few times - it was a pivotal, seminal moment of my career.

"It was a great pass from Peter Davenport, perfectly weighted. It was quite a gool finish, one that I liked quite a lot," he remembered.

"It was an amazing feeling to not only score for England, but your first goal for England - and at Wembley - was something I'll never forget." 

Watch our video of the goal from the Three Lions legend and BBC presenter in the player below.

Gary Lineker's first England strike

 


By FA Staff