England at Mexico '86 40 years on - Qualification (Part 2)

Magnificent Goal! continue its look back through England's qualification campaign for Mexico '86.

Steven Toplis is joined by writer and podcaster Michael Hamlen of @80s90sFootball fame and Asif Burhan, journalist and author of the new book 'The Other Side of the Hand of God'.

We pick up the story in the summer of 1985, as England embark on a tour of Mexico and the United States to play in the Ciudad de Mexico and Azteca 2000 triangular tournaments, with matches against Italy, the hosts and a memorable clash with West Germany.

We then move on to September 1985 when Romania come to Wembley and a 20-year-old by the name of Gheorghe Hagi catches the eye for the visitors. There's a look at the qualifier against Northern Ireland which had observers in Bucharest fuming.

We wrap up by revisiting England's early form in 1986 with three victories on the spin away from home, including an impressive win behind the Iron Curtain against the USSR. In these games another new face makes a big impression for Bobby Robson's men before the World Cup finals.

You can find Michael by heading to @80s90sFootball on X and Bluesky.

Asif's book 'The Other Side of the Hand of God' is published by Pitch Publishing and available at all good book shops.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-Side-Hand-God-Notorious/dp/1836805209

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-other-side-of-the-hand-of-god/asif-burhan/9781836805205