Match of the Century (1953 England v Hungary football match)

On 25 November 1953, an international football match was played between Hungary—then the world's number one ranked team, the Olympic champions and on a run of 24 unbeaten games, and England, that became known as the Match of the Century. Hungary won 6–3 and the result led to a review of the training and tactics used by the England team, and the subsequent adoption of continental practices at an international and club level in the English game. Date, venue and attendance The match was played on 25 November 1953 in front of 105,000 spectators at Empire Wembley Stadium. The England team The England team lined up in its usual WM formation, and included Stanley Matthews, Stan Mortensen, goalkeeper Gil Merrick, future England manager Alf Ramsey and captain Billy Wright—widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. The Hungarian team The Hungarian team lined up in the 2–3–3–2 formation pioneered by their coach, Gusztáv Sebes. József Bozsik played in the deep lying midfield position, with Nándor Hidegkuti free to roam between midfield and attack. Ferenc Puskás and Sándor Kocsis were the strikers, with the width provided by Zoltán Czibor and László Budai.