Could history repeat itself? England fans spot 1966 parallels 'as a sign they'll win World Cup'
England fans are pointing to a series of football parallels from 1966 as a sign the Three Lions could win the World Cup.
Eagle-eyed supporters have spotted a series of identical events from 52 years ago – with the nation hoping history repeats itself.Eagle-eyed supporters have spotted a series of identical events from 52 years ago – with the nation hoping history repeats itself.
In the only year England lifted the trophy, Manchester City also won a league championship (division two) and Real Madrid conquered Europe.
The 1965/66 season also saw Burnley quality for Europe and Chelsea finish fifth.
Spanish giants Madrid won their sixth European Cup in 1966, beating Partizan Belgrade 2-1.
Burnley, meanwhile, finished third in the top division that year, sending them into what was then the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Fast forward half a century and the same events happened again.
Here's a thought…
1966:
Real Madrid win the European Cup
Burnley qualify for Europe
Man City win their league
Chelsea finish 5th
England win #WorldCup2018:
Real Madrid win the European Cup
Burnley qualify for Europe
Man City win their league
Chelsea finish 5thOmens… 😏 pic.twitter.com/gk4DuSu0dE
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 27, 2018
Manchester City topped the Premier League and Real Madrid won the Champions’ League with victory over Liverpool.
Burnley also pulled off one of the greatest league finishes in their history by qualifying for Europe, and Chelsea under-performed again, finishing fifth.
Now optimistic fans are taking it as a sign that England could go all the way in Russia.
England have already qualified for the World Cup last 16, and will face Japan, Colombia or Senegal after their final group game against Belgium.
The draw has opened up for other nations after Germany’s shock exit on Wednesday.
Gareth Southgate’s side are now fifth favourites to win the World Cup, behind Brazil, Spain, Belgium and France.