Trevor Brooking has delivered his verdict on the great debate about
whether Michael Owen or Sir Geoff Hurst got the greatest hat trick
against Germany.
Sir Geoff is still the champion!
Trevor was delighted about Owen's three goals on Saturday, having witnessed them personally in Munich.
Sir Geoff was also there, though Trevor did not see him to reassure him of his opinion after the game.
But he insists:
"Geoff's goals were in the final of the tournament and will still take some surpassing.
"Michael's goals were brilliant, as were Geoff's, and I know some people will point out that
his goals were on home soil.
"But the fact that they were in a one-off final edges him ahead.
"That said, it was an exhilarating weekend that will live long in the memory.
"The game flew by, and we celebrated into the early hours in Munich.
"There was a sense of euphoria and the confidence will hopefully surge through into the Albania game.
"It would be nice to win by three or four - but one will do."
Trevor reckons that, despite England doing so well without any West Ham players - though Michael Carrick was of course in the squad - he, Joe Cole, Trevor Sinclair, and David James can still play a part wearing the three lions this summer.
"Trevor has missed four or five months of last season," he says, "and will need September to get his full match fitness to start making the impact he wants.
"Joe is getting back to fitness, and, for a player who thrives on confidence, his goal in the U21s will have done no harm.
"We hope David can get back as soon as he can, and Michael is a key member of the squad.
"I am sure he will have watched the impact of Steve Gerrard's performance."
The quartet's inclusion, if it happens, would put the Hammers among an elite band of clubs supplying large chunks of the England squad.
"The success came largely from the top four - Leeds, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool - supplying 20 of the 25 players in the squad.
"We would want our players to take the club on and edge into those European slots so their experience in that would help their international careers."
Meanwhile, Trevor is delighted by the signing of Don Hutchison, currently on duty with Scotland.
"He has the ability to play in a variety of positions and will do an excellent job," he says.
Sir Geoff is still the champion!
Trevor was delighted about Owen's three goals on Saturday, having witnessed them personally in Munich.
Sir Geoff was also there, though Trevor did not see him to reassure him of his opinion after the game.
But he insists:
"Geoff's goals were in the final of the tournament and will still take some surpassing.
"Michael's goals were brilliant, as were Geoff's, and I know some people will point out that
his goals were on home soil.
"But the fact that they were in a one-off final edges him ahead.
"That said, it was an exhilarating weekend that will live long in the memory.
"The game flew by, and we celebrated into the early hours in Munich.
"There was a sense of euphoria and the confidence will hopefully surge through into the Albania game.
"It would be nice to win by three or four - but one will do."
Trevor reckons that, despite England doing so well without any West Ham players - though Michael Carrick was of course in the squad - he, Joe Cole, Trevor Sinclair, and David James can still play a part wearing the three lions this summer.
"Trevor has missed four or five months of last season," he says, "and will need September to get his full match fitness to start making the impact he wants.
"Joe is getting back to fitness, and, for a player who thrives on confidence, his goal in the U21s will have done no harm.
"We hope David can get back as soon as he can, and Michael is a key member of the squad.
"I am sure he will have watched the impact of Steve Gerrard's performance."
The quartet's inclusion, if it happens, would put the Hammers among an elite band of clubs supplying large chunks of the England squad.
"The success came largely from the top four - Leeds, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool - supplying 20 of the 25 players in the squad.
"We would want our players to take the club on and edge into those European slots so their experience in that would help their international careers."
Meanwhile, Trevor is delighted by the signing of Don Hutchison, currently on duty with Scotland.
"He has the ability to play in a variety of positions and will do an excellent job," he says.