While Gary Mabbutt and Viv Anderson were fine defenders, one thing that neither was noted for was their ability to score goals. In short, they were much more comfortable trying to keep the ball out of the net, rather than finding the back of it.
However, when Yugoslavia made the trip to Wembley for a Euro 1988 qualifier 29 years ago today, England required both of them to show an uncharacteristic clinical touch to secure the victory.
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These two sides were considered to be the strongest in the group - a theory which was born after the first batch of matches as England defeated Northern Ireland 3-0, while a hat-trick from Zlatko Vujovic helped the Yugoslavs to overcome Turkey 4-0.
It was Vujovic that had the best chance to break the deadlock early on in this encounter when he got the better of England centre-back Mark Wright. But, as he bore down on goal, goalkeeper Chris Woods closed down the angle well and was able to make the save.
That proved to be a crucial moment because soon after the hosting Three Lions went in front. The likes of Terry Butcher and Wright were considered to be England's main threats in the air, but Glenn Hoddle's corner from the left flank was nodded into the far corner by Mabbutt, who was making his first international appearance in three years. Although usually a centre-back, the Tottenham Hotspur man was operating in a holding midfield role to cover the absence of the injured Bryan Robson.
Rather than press home their advantage, England were forced to defend for much of the remainder of the first half as Blaz Sliskovic shot just wide from distance, while Haris Skoro forced Woods to make a save down low to his left.
Then, when Woods was beaten by Mirsad Baljic's downward header just moments before the break, Steve Hodge was on the line to hack clear what was a certain goal.
There was more gusto about England's play in the second half and they almost doubled their advantage a couple of minutes after the resumption when Hoddle sent a cross over towards the back post for Gary Lineker, but his powerful header was turned away by Mauro Ravnic.
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Yet, with 56 minutes played, Ravnic was powerless to prevent Anderson from scoring England's second goal of the contest. Hoddle and Peter Beardsley linked to free Chris Waddle on the left wing. He in turn drilled a cross towards the near post, where the alert Arsenal defender was on hand to volley in his second and final international goal.
It was by no means comfortable for England thereafter, though, as the visitors from Eastern Europe appeared determined not to give up the ghost. They had a golden chance to reduce the arrears when a ricochet off Mabbutt put Vujovic through on goal. Having rounded Woods, everyone was waiting for the net to bulge, but the No.11 inexplicably fired wide with the target at his mercy.
As the game wore on the same player then sent a harmless chip over the crossbar when well placed, and he also struck the base of the post from a tight angle on what was certainly a night to forget for the winger.
England: Woods; Anderson, Wright, Butcher, Sansom; Mabbutt, Hodge (Wilkins), Waddle (Steven), Hoddle; Beardsley, Lineker
Yugoslavia: Ravnic; Z Vujovic, Elsner, Sabanadzovic, Baljic; Hadzibegic, Jankovic, Katanec, Z Vujovic; Skoro, Sliskovic
Liam Apicella
