Clash of Titans: Could the English Side of 1966 Have Beaten Brazil in 1982?

Overview:

England

This side was built by Sir Alf Ramsey, the Englishman who had previously managed Ipswich Town to the League title. He famously dropped Jimmy Greaves, then perceived to be the side's lynchpin in favor of a youngster called Geoff Hurst. Ramsey ushered in a defensive era in World Football due to his introduction of the wingless 4-1-3-2 formation, which focused on work rate and efficiency, ignoring flair.

In Ramsey's side were such players as the industrious teenage midfield dynamo Alan Ball, who Ramsey decided suited his system. In fact, Ball was one of the best players in the 1966 World Cup final due to his almost boundless energy and ability to play effectively after normal time. The best remembered duo of that famous England team was Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore. The former is acknowledged for his passing and shooting ability in midfield. Guardian journalist Jonathan Wilson described him as an advanced attacking midfielder moving the ball around the attacking third with a howitzer shot. Moore, on the other hand, was a center-half with near perfect tackling abilities and inhumane passing range. He famously provided two assists in the World Cup final by hoofing the ball up to the forward line.

Martin Peters is the unsung hero of that side. He played a great role in the team. He was described as a truly creative player operating as one of the three attacking midfielders in Ramsey's system. He was industrious as well, which encouraged Ramsey to fit him into the England team. He was England's best player in the World Cup final, along with Gordon Banks and Bobby Moore. He provided many crosses and was lively in the attack against West Germany. 

Lineup

GK: Gordon Banks

LB: Ray Wilson

CB: Bobby Moore (capt)

 CB: Jack Charlton

RB: George Cohen

CDM: Nobby Stiles

CAM: Bobby Charlton

LAM: Alan Ball

RAM: Martin Peters

ST: Geoff Hurst

ST: Roger Hunt

Brazil

 This side is famously remembered for being notoriously unlucky not to win the World Cup. Zico was the lynchpin of this side. He was a typical No.10, being one of the greatest strikers of a dead ball in history. He obviously had great passing and dribbling ability. His brothers in arms were Socrates, a midfielder similar to him but with more passing ability and more tackling ability, and Junior, a versatile full back/left midfielder, as well as Falcao, a talented central playmaker.

The Brazilians had a side full of flair with more than five midfielders who acted as playmakers.

Lineup

GK: Peres

LB: Leandro

CB: Oscar

CB: Luizinho

RB: Junior

DM: Falcao

DM: Cerezo

AM: Zico

LW: Eder

CF: Serginho

RW: Socrates

Tactics:

The English tactical makeup consisted of using a winger to cross the ball in for the linkup striker or Bobby Charlton to shoot. In contrast, the Brazilians were a free-scoring machine that could be relied on to dominate possession.

Prediction:

3-2, England 1966 over Brazil 1982