England's record start

World Cup Finals
First Group Stage
16 June 1982
San Mames Stadium, Bilbao

England did not disappoint in their first match in a World Cup Finals for 12 years, convincingly beating the great Platini and co. in the searing heat of Spain. 

The anticipation prior to the World Cup had reached fever pitch after such a long World Cup hiatus, but the tension evaporated when Bryan Robson scored England's quickest ever World Cup goal after 27 seconds.

A training ground move paid dividends as Steve Coppell's throw was flicked across goal by Terry Butcher for Robson to fire home past the bemused Ettori in the French goal. 

After taking the early lead, however, England were pinned back by the Platini-conducted French attack, and the match was duly levelled on 24 minutes.

Trevor Francis relinquished possession to Larios, who fed Soler, and the pacey forward left Butcher in his wake and finished with a crisp strike.

After half time England looked to regain their advantage and it was no surprise when they took the lead mid-way through the second half.

Francis burst down the right flank and fed an inviting cross into the centre which was despatched with aplomb by the head of Robson.

Paul Mariner sealed the victory on 83 minutes as he followed up a Francis effort to claim his 5th goal in 5 consecutive internationals.

England qualified from their group with maximum points, but two 0-0 draws in the second group stage did not prove sufficient to see Ron Greenwood's men through to the semi-finals.