German legend Franz Beckenbauer was forced into a rethink about the best stadium in the world, and England's all-time goalscorer Sir Bobby Charlton remarked 'I wish I could play here.'

Sir Bobby has some incredible memories of the old Wembley stadium, lifting The FA Cup and European Cup with Manchester United, and of course the World Cup with England, but he was excited by the new Wembley.

He told TheFA.com: "Wembley, when it is finished, will be sensational and I'll hopefully be back here to watch the first game.

"That was lovely being out there, I had the feeling to myself that I'd love to play here, this would have been really something else.

"There was something special about it, it was big but it was also personal. I can imagine with the roof across and the terraces full, it will be an incredible atmosphere.

"I certainly think in World Cup terms, when it comes to Europe again, it is our turn."

Sir Bobby was also delighted to spend time with friends that he made on that famous July day 40 years ago.

He said: "Well, you see them quite often and every time it's marvellous, they're wonderful people. We played in a match that will be remembered in history as one of the great World Cup matches.

"They were good opponents and they've been good losers I must say that. I think everyone is proud to have been part of an incredible game."

The former players left Wembley and drove to Downing Street for lunch inside No 11 with Chancellor Gordon Brown, England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson and the chief executive of the Football Association Brian Barwick.

The England players present along with Sir Bobby Charlton were his brother Jack, Gordon Banks, George Cohen, Martin Peters and Roger Hunt.