WITH the England football team once again preparing to take on Germany, Sir Bobby Robson’s son, Mark, has relived his experience of the famous fixture 31 years ago.
Gazza’s tears and the heartache of losing the World Cup semi final on penalties is now part of the nation’s sporting history and the late, great manager’s son had unrivalled access to the team.
He relaxed with players on their days off and holidayed with his family on a boat, but he was also there for that fateful night in Turin, when England crashed out of Italia ‘90.
Gazza, with Mark Robson and Terry Butcher
Mark said Tuesday’s fixture will inevitably bring back a lot of memories for fans.
He said: “My most vivid memories now are of my Grandad, who meant the world to Dad. He was a miner from County Durham, like my Dad was to begin with.
“I vividly remember him on the plane and travelling by coach to the ground and inside the stadium in Turin.
“He barely spoke. He was just wide-eyed and silent. He was so proud and emotional.
“He’d only been out of the country once before, and that was for Dad’s first match as England manager in Denmark in 1982, and here he was, transported from Langley Park into the heat of Turin and the tension of a World Cup semi-final. And his son was centre stage.
Sir Bobby with his proud parents, Lilian and Philip Robson
Mark said: “It’s staggering really. It was an overwhelming game for England’s supporters, so imagine what it must have been like for my Grandad. I don’t know how he took it all in.
“I have a very strong memory of the bus ride after the game up into the hills to a restaurant for refreshments, but is was at least midnight by then. It was so sombre, as you’d expect. It was difficult to know what to say. We were all in a bit of shock.”
Tomorrow night, England take on Germany for a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
Mark Robson pictured recently
Mark said: “Like every England fan, I can’t wait for kick off but I’m also a pretty nervous, too.
“England against Germany always has the potential for excitement but not necessarily a win for us.
“I know Dad would be absolutely riveted to the Euros and, as a proud Englishman, he’d be backing England to go all the way.
“Gareth’s done a magnificent job and I think Dad would be very impressed at the way he’s handling himself in what is a very difficult role.”
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