The World Cup is here, each year it’s over we can only sigh, knowing it’s yet another four years until we can do all the good stuff that comes with it.

Time for walking around with our faces painted with a flag styled cape around our shoulders, whilst drinking as much beer as as our bellies can handle. To add to the excitement of this year’s instalment, we’ve listed our top 10 favourite England World Cup goals. See if your favourite’s made the list…

Bobby Charlton, England v Mexico (1966)

Sir Bobby Charlton is unarguably responsible for some of the most spectacular goals that have graced the sport. In the legendary 1966 World Cup, England took on Mexico, which lead to a 2-0 victory. Charlton opened the match with his goal, showcasing his unbelievably accurate long-range shot. After a skilful sprint from the half-way line, the magic happened. Along with an equally magic celebration.

Geoff Hurst, England v West Germany (1966)

Owner of one of the most famous phrases in football, Sir Geoff Hurst’s final goal against West Germany is hard to forget. With just under 97,000 onlookers and a British-record TV audience of 32.3 million, he couldn’t have chose a greater game to score a hat-trick. The golden moment gave England 4 goals to West Germany’s 2. With fans already celebrating on the pitch, Hurst placed the ball in the back of the net. Then the phrase was born; ‘they think it’s all over, it is now!’

Geoff Hurst, England v Romania (1970)

Sir Geoff Hurst netted another admirable goal, four years after his triple-scoring masterpiece. A chip from England soared over the heads of the Romanian players leading into header, setting Hurst up to show off his fancy footwork. A fast paced dribble around the last defender and there it was, the first and final goal of the match for England.

Bryan Robson, England v France (1982)

Becoming the owner of not one but two hair-raising goals in the England v France match wasn’t Bryan Robson’s only achievement in that game. After just 27 seconds, Robson netted the ball to onlookers’ disbelief. This goal was rated the ‘fastest goal in World Cup finals’, although Czechoslovakia were the rightful owners of the title, for their 15 second goal against Mexico.

Gary Lineker, England v Poland (1986)

The face of football, Gary Lineker, is the proud owner of another brilliant trio of goals for England. His second goal was especially amusing. At the end of a series of long passes, Lineker stole the ball just in time to place it firmly in the back of the net. He and the squad looked just as surprised by the shot as the polish goalkeeper; who was left in quite a spin.

David Platt, England v Belgium (1990)

The 1-0 victory was brought to England by 24 year old David Platt back in 1990. He gained a continental reputation as a great goal scorer, tapping in balls with both his feet and head. His goal came about in the last minute. Platt explained his humble celebration: “Everything was intuitive, the way I met and hit the ball and then dropping to my knees. Instinct just took over. I’d never ever dropped to my knees after scoring before; I don’t know why I did.”

Paul Scholes, England v Tunisia (1998)

There’s nothing we enjoyed more than cheering along England’s very own red-haired favourite, Paul Scholes. After a little stumble left us all believing that the ball would be claimed by Tunisia, Scholes kept his cool as well as possession of the ball. We’d hate to take anything away from the fresh faced player, but we can’t help feeling that the shot was one of the ‘aim-for-the-goal-and-hope-for-the-best’ type. And the best is exactly what we got.

David Beckham, England v Colombia (1998)

Ever wondered where the title for ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ came from? Try his 1998 free-kick goal against Colombia. Becks bagged England a goal and we’re pretty certain there was some form of magic included. We eagerly watched the ball in its almost slow-motion form, bend through the air and wrap itself inside the goal post. It settled perfectly in the corner of the net. Well he’s not called Golden Balls for nothing.

Michael Owen, England v Argentina, (1998)

Teen sensation Michael Owen made his name in the football industry with an unforgettable goal whilst the world was his audience. Owen received the ball on the halfway line from David Beckham, and then bulldozed his way towards the goal. Whilst sprinting like an unstoppable powerhouse, Owen still managed some quick footing, managing to dodge the opposition right before the outstanding goal.

Joe Cole, England v Sweden (2006)

The most recent show-stopping World Cup goal was created by 21 year-old Joe Cole. His effort to shoot on target was even a shock to the commentator who couldn’t help but slip in a ‘why not?’ After a long distance volley was caught by Cole and controlled by his knee, Joe’s swinging shot landed to the left of the goalkeeper, shocking absolutely everyone!

So there you have it, our top 10 England World Cup goals. If, like us, this has got you all the more excited for this year’s instalment; join us and fellow footy-lovers in our Top Floor bar. We will be showing the World Cup on our highest floor, so come along get the beers in and let the chanting commence!

What’s your favourite world cup goal?