In order to settle, once and for all, the dispute over England's controversial win in the 1966 World Cup final over Germany, the game is to be replayed.
FIFA, the world football association, has got cheesed off with the constant bickering over Geoff Hurst's goal in extra time in the final, they have decreed that the game will be replayed, with Germany or England being awarded a retrospective win.
In the spirit of fair play, both countries have agreed to this, but England have stipulated that the game must be replayed using the same players that appeared in the original final. It being over forty years since the game took place, this means that those players that are still alive have aged considerably.
The England team will comprise of: Gordon Banks (71), George Cohen (69), Jack Charlton (73), Ray Wilson (74), Nobby Stiles (66), Bobby Charlton (71), Martin Peters (65), Geoff Hurst (65) and Roger Hunt (70).
Germany on the other hand will comprise of: Hans Tilkowski (73), Horst-Dieter Höttges (65), Willi Schulz (70), Wolfgang Weber (65), Karl-Heinz Schnellinger (70), Franz Beckenbauer (63), Wolfgang Overath (65), Helmut Haller (69), Uwe Seeler (72) and Sigfried Held (66).
This will give Germany a numerical advantage, as well as an average age advantage, with the England average of 69, and the Germany average of 68. However, Schnellinger is still carrying a suspension over from the last game he played, and will be ineligible.
Geoff Hurst remains upbeat about the prospect. "They may have a couple of years and players on us," he said at a press conference, "but I've seen them line up, and we look loads fitter."
The game will take place on the anniversary of the original fixture on 30th July at the New Wembley.
