How a Palace star led the line for England’s first international
It’s fair to say that few goalless draws live long in the memory, but tonight England and Scotland will mark an exceptional stalemate from more than 150 years ago:
first international football match.
On Saturday, 3ovember 1872, England appeared on Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow to face their first national team opponents:
Scotland.
Hosted by former Palace player Charles William Alcock – the FA Cup creator was only ruled out of the match due to an injury he picked up while playing for Old Harrovians two weeks earlier – this was not the club’s first meeting.
both, but the first to be officially recognized.
for history books.
In England’s attack – one of seven or eight strikers that day, with the 1-1-8 formation still favored – was Crystal Palace’s Charles Chenery.
Born in England but spending part of his time studying in Australia, Chenery joined Palace after leaving school and after impressing his new team, he was selected for the new 22-year-old team to represent the country.
our country.
He featured in England’s unofficial international against Scotland in February and was called up again for his first official match in November.
The match itself was exciting despite the lack of goals, and Chenery almost hit the woodwork with his head.
A contemporary journalist for Field magazine wrote: “The result was met with enthusiastic applause from the spectators and the cheering of each XI for their opponents was continued by the spectators until the eventually both sides disappeared.
Chenery did enough to earn a place in the return leg, one of only two players to feature in both England squads.
He repaid the selectors’ faith by scoring the fourth goal in a 4-2 win for the hosts, with Palace team-mate Alexander Morten impressing in goal.
His final appearance for England was also against Scotland in 1874, making him the only player to appear in England’s first three international matches.
Palace trio Marc Guehi, Sam Johnstone and Ebere Eze are in the squad for tonight’s 150th anniversary match at Hampden Park.
If they attend, Palace will be the only club represented at both the first international match and the 150th anniversary celebration.
Can we make more history tonight?
FIND OUT MORE.
SIMON JORDAN DOESN’T WANT 50 YEARS AS THE NEXT MANAGER OF CRYSTAL PALACE
This remains one of football’s biggest mysteries.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer; A real positive or negative at Manchester United?
Was it a success – relatively speaking – or a failure?
Are second place, a Europa League final and a number of near misses symptomatic of a manager with a diverse collection of players performing above expectations?
Or has his presence hindered Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford?
It is safe to say that Simon Jordan, a vocal critic of the now unemployed Norwegian, falls into the latter category.
So much so that if Crystal Palace appeal after Roy Hodgson’s second spell ends, Jordan will be the first to voice his concerns.
“I think he’s probably a very good football player.
But is he a leader?
I think he’s very lucky to get this job.
I don’t like to reward mediocrity.
It’s blandness leading the blandness.
“No (I won’t take him to Crystal Palace).
Try your best.
“I mean, look, he has good quality players at Manchester United and they have brought him to a certain level.
But when you find yourself in a situation with good players in the Premier League who require a different type of management, I don’t consider that a Premier League coach.
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