Britain's oldest footballer 'as excited as 1966' for Euro 2020 final

Weymouth's Dickie Borthwick says the 1966 World Cup squad would be no match for this England team

Author: George SharpePublished 11th Jul 2021

Weymouth's Dickie Borthwick is spurring his whole street on for tonight when England play Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

Dickie, aka Britain's oldest footballer, says tonight's game is more exciting than the 1966 World Cup Final.

The 85-year-old's football career's only slowed down in recent years because of the pandemic. He's sure he'll get out on to the pitch soon.

Dickie told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:

"It was a great team in those days, Bobby Moore and all the other lads that won it. I really enjoyed that final and hopefully we'll have another win on Sunday.

"The excitement is the same, England in the final, that can't change. My excitement is equal to what it was in 1966.

"In fact I'm a little bit more excited because the football is such a better standard."

Dickie Borthwick, Britain's oldest footballer

Dickie fancies England's chances later today and says our squad's a great all round team.

When asked how he thinks the 2021 squad compares with the 1966 squad, he said:

"That team in 1966, I don't think they'd stand a chance against the current England side.

"The current side seem to be more fitter, they've got more ball skills. Mind you they've got everything in their favour, the lighter ball, the lighter kit they wear, the better pitches they play on."

He added:

"Kane and Sterling have struck up a good relationship. Earlier on in the tournament they did not hit it at all, they weren't in the game. But as the tournament's progressed England have got better, they've got confidence, their tails are up and we are definitely in with a chance.

"Italy are a very good side. I watched the Italy v Spain game the other day. Both teams, brilliant, but we've hit a patch now where we're brilliant.

"It's going to be a great game."

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