Bryan Robson’s France heroics inspire and fuel England’s forward thinking

Gareth Southgate, then 11, was engrossed as Robson scored after 27 seconds in 1982 and his treasured memories linger

INSPIRATION: England player Bryan Robson (l) scores past goalkeeper Jean-Luc Ettori to put England ahead after just 27 seconds during their opening 1982 FIFA World Cup Group 4 match against France at Estadio San Mames on June 16, 1982. Pic: Allsport/Getty Images

A little more than 40 years on and Gareth Southgate can still freeze-frame the moment. So can every England fan of his generation. The long throw had been flicked on and there was Bryan Robson, his hero, everybody’s hero, getting his body side-on, allowing the ball to run across him before volleying it down and in.

There were 27 seconds on the clock and England were 1-0 up against France. Robson would score again in the second half, a majestic leap and thumping header for 2-1 and England pulled clear to win 3-1. Their 1982 World Cup campaign was up and running.