Archive, 1990: Peter Shilton wins 125th cap and becomes England’s record appearance holder
On 9 July 1990 in Bari at the Italia 90 World Cup, Peter Shilton made his 125th and final appearance for England, becoming the nation’s record appearance holder. Harry Kane is expected to break that 125-cap record tonight against Croatia at Wembley in the Nations League.
Shilton wore the captain’s armband in England’s third-place play-off against Italy in Bari, a match that followed the Three Lions’ penalty defeat to West Germany in the semi-finals. Ian Ridley, pitchside in Bari, reported that Shilton announced his international retirement on the night and said: "I would just like to say how much I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 20 years." Shilton had made his England debut against East Germany in 1970.
The match turned in the 71st minute when Ridley described Shilton as unusually losing concentration while clearing a back pass, allowing Roberto Baggio to steal the ball and open the scoring for Italy. Earlier in the game Shilton had produced an excellent save from Ferrara, tipping the shot onto the post. David Platt later headed England level, but Italy regained the lead via a late penalty from Salvatore Schillaci, and Schillaci finished the tournament as top scorer.
Ridley recorded comments from managers and others: Azeglio Vicini’s verdict on England was "Bravissimo", and Bobby Robson said of the two goals "which I’m not very happy about". On his rare error, Shilton told Ridley: "No one, though, seemed to mind much." Ridley also noted that Robson made the veteran goalkeeper play because he wanted him to finish at the top.
The report described the referee Joel Quiniou as appearing initially reluctant to have the match decided by penalties, citing an earlier decision to ignore a handling incident, before awarding a penalty with five minutes remaining when Schillaci went down after contact with Walker. Schillaci’s successful spot-kick moved him to six goals in the tournament, making him the top scorer.
Ridley framed the game as the end of an era for England: it was Bobby Robson’s last match in charge after eight years. Robson said: "I shall miss it greatly. It has been my life for eight years" and added, "No doubt we’ll both be missed." Ridley recorded Robson’s overall record as England manager as played 95, won 47, drew 29 and lost 19.
The match line-ups published in Ridley’s report were: ITALY: Zenga; Baresi, Bergomi, De Agostini (Berti, 65min), Ferrara, Maldini, Vierchowod, Ancelotti, Giannini (Ferri, 89), Baggio, Schillaci. ENGLAND: Shilton; Stevens, Walker, Wright (Waddle, 73), Parker, Dorigo, Steven, McMahon (Webb, 73), Platt, Lineker, Beardsley.
According to the article’s opening context, Harry Kane is expected to overtake Peter Shilton’s 125 England appearances tonight in the Nations League match against Croatia at Wembley.