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Could history repeat itself? England fans spot 1966 parallels 'as a sign they'll win World Cup'

History repeating itself? Bobby Moore lifts the World Cup trophy for England in 1966 (left), as Harry Kane gets the Three Lions off to a flyer in 2018 against Tunisia. (Getty)
History repeating itself? Bobby Moore lifts the World Cup trophy for England in 1966 (left), as Harry Kane gets the Three Lions off to a flyer in 2018 against Tunisia. (Getty)

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.

 European tour: Burnley in 1966, the season they finished 3rd to qualify for Europe. (Rex)
European tour: Burnley in 1966, the season they finished 3rd to qualify for Europe. (Rex)
 Defying the odds: Andre Gray celebrates for Burnley last season, when they again qualified for Europe. (PA)
Defying the odds: Andre Gray celebrates for Burnley last season, when they again qualified for Europe. (PA)

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.

Manchester City’s Malcolm Allison and Joe Mercer pose with the division two trophy in 1966. (Rex)
Manchester City’s Malcolm Allison and Joe Mercer pose with the division two trophy in 1966. (Rex)
 Blue moon rising: Man City once again won the league last year. (PA)
Blue moon rising: Man City once again won the league last year. (PA)

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.

 Underwhelming: Chelsea's Gary Cahill celebrates a goal last season, in the campaign where they finished fifth. (Getty)
Underwhelming: Chelsea’s Gary Cahill celebrates a goal last season, in the campaign where they finished fifth. (Getty)
 History boys: England lap up their only World Cup win in 1966. (Rex)
History boys: England lap up their only World Cup win in 1966. (Rex)

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.

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