On This Day in Football: 21st September

21st September 1949

On this day, England faced a historic defeat on home soil at the hands of the Republic of Ireland. The match, held at Everton’s Goodison Park, saw the Republic of Ireland secure a 2-0 victory. This marked the first time England was beaten at home by a foreign country, a significant moment in international football history.

21st September 1983

Pat Jennings etched his name into the annals of football history by becoming the first Irishman to achieve 100 international caps. This milestone was reached during Northern Ireland’s 3-1 victory over Austria in a European Championship qualifier held in Belfast. Jennings’ contribution to the match was instrumental in securing the win for Northern Ireland.

21st September 1985

Charlton Athletic played their last match at The Valley before a prolonged period of exile due to financial difficulties. The team secured a 2-0 victory over Stoke City in front of a crowd of 8,858. Following this match, Charlton entered a phase of ground-sharing with Crystal Palace and West Ham United. It wasn’t until 1992 that Charlton Athletic finally returned to their home ground, The Valley.

21st September 1994

Gary Lineker, one of football’s most renowned figures, announced his retirement from playing the sport. The decision came after he sustained a toe injury while playing for Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan. Following his retirement, Lineker transitioned to a career with the BBC, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his professional life.