Traditionally, the number ten shirt is associated with players who possess game-changing vision, an imagination of approach and skill on the ball. 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. Over the years, great number tens, such as Geoff Hurst and Gary Lineker have had a telling impact for England at the World Cup Finals, a trend Wayne Rooney will no doubt look to carry on in South Africa.
An integral part of Alf Ramsey’s World Cup-winning side, hatrick-hero Geoff Hurst is perhaps the most famous England number ten. Hurst’s second goal in the final against West Germany forms part of English football fans’ collective consciousness. Remarkably, the World Cup Final was only Hurst’s eighth cap, and the West Ham striker would go on to earn 49 caps for England, scoring 24 goals. He is fondly remembered by England and West Ham fans for his industriousness and potent aerial ability.
Gary Lineker might not be remembered for his aerial ability, but the former Tottenham and Everton striker’s performances at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups secured his place in the hearts of England fans. Lineker remains the Three Lions’ record World Cup goalscorer, with 10 goals in 12 finals appearances, including a remarkable – and vital – 37-minute hat-trick against Poland.
Although Hurst and Lineker were both prolific and potent strikers, they were not creative number tens in the same way as Bergkamp or Zola. In Wayne Rooney, England manager Fabio Capello has at his disposal a player more than happy to be either goal poacher or goal maker. The pugnacious forward weighed in 34 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season. More of England’s World Cup goals have been scored by players wearing ten than any other shirt number, and England fans will hope that Rooney can reproduce his glittering club form and emulate the achievements of Lineker and Hurst in South Africa.
