PREPARING FOR GLORY
COLIN ALLAN LOOKS BACK AT HOW ALF RAMSEY HONED HIS SQUAD IN READINESS FOR THE WORLD CUP ON HOME SOIL…

AT FIRST glance, it must have seemed reckless for England to embark on a four-match European tour just before hosting the 1966 World Cup.
After a draining domestic season, surely it was time to rest players before facing the ultimate challenge of competing for the Jules Rimet Trophy?
What if key players were injured?
Would the stresses of an overseas tour lead to player bust-ups or foster team spirit and overall confidence?
Well, manager Alf Ramsey was determined ...