England’s first ever substitute entered the action on this day.

Jimmy Mullen, the Wolves left-winger, became the first substitute to come on for England on this day in 1950.

He had made his debut against Scotland at Wembley three years earlier but featured in just 12 internationals in seven years, because Tom Finney was the star player in his position during that period.

Mullen’s substitute appearance came ten minutes into England’s friendly with Belgium in Brussels’ Heysel Stadium. He replaced the injured Jackie Milburn, going out to the left wing as Finney switched to the right.

England were 1-0 down to Mermans’ goal at the break but a minute into the second period Mullen cut inside to shoot past Belgian ‘keeper Meert.

So the Wolves man also became the first England substitute to score!

Stan Mortensen, Wilf Mannion and Roy Bentley added further goals as England won 4-1. It was their last fixture before travelling out to Brazil for the World Cup. Mullen went on to play in the infamous match against USA in Belo Horizonte.