In 1933 on this day, Wales were also defeated as England clinched the Home Championship at none other than St. James' Park. And this day in 1994 saw nearly 26,000 watch Steve Watson inspire the under 21's to a 1-0 victory over Eire at St.James'. 

So what? Well, as the bulldozers sharpen their teeth on the crumbling Wembley concrete, it's nice to remember when the national team wasn't the jingoistic preserve of Londoners.

Of course Alan Shearer emulated Wor Jackie with a spectacular overhead effort at the new red and white hell-hole against Belgium which brings us nicely to Saturday. It's more than a year since the enemy's last visit and thankfully our current custodian has managed to drown out those damp and miserable memories. 

Bobby vowed that would never happen again under his stewardship and of course Shearer and Lee would love the chance to thank the mackems properly for dislodging Ruud....