South Americans played at Wembley for the first time on this day.

Argentina became the first South American country to play at Wembley on this day in 1951.

It was the showpiece match amongst a series of friendlies played by British clubs against foreign ones that formed part of that year’s ‘Festival of Britain’.

England’s first Wembley opponents had been Scotland back in 1924, a year after the stadium opened. Argentina turned out to be the second – not Wales or Ireland or one of the European giants.

England began with a determined burst in their red shirts, entertaining a crowd of 99,000, but they came close to losing their precious unbeaten home record against foreign opposition.

Miguel Rugilo, Argentina’s goalie, later became known as ‘the Lion of Wembley’ for his brave (if eccentric) display. While he was keeping England at bay, Boye headed past Bert Williams to give the visitors a shock lead on 18 minutes. It had been their first serious attack.

It was all England after that, with the Argentinian goal virtually under siege, but they had to wait until the 79th minute for an equaliser.

From England’s 14th corner of the match, an indication of their superiority, Stan Mortensen (above right) headed home from Tom Finney’s kick.

The Blackpool striker turned provider four minutes from time, heading on Alf Ramsey’s free-kick for Jackie Milburn to force in the winner from close range.