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Lot Essay
In what is still regarded as one of the finest performances by an England International team 'Morty' scored what is regarded by many as his finest International goal ever. The then England manager (Sir) Walter Winterbottom remembered the goal in an article he wrote for the programme produced for Mortensen's Testimonial in 1968; "I recall, almost as if were yesterday, the match against Italy in 1948 in Turin. Italy were then unconquered in Europe with a galaxy of star players, and everyone expected them to thrash England soundly. The day of the match was sultry with heat and dampness and for about a quarter of an hour or so England, with Frank Swift in goal, had to defend as if for their very lives. Suddenly a long pass found Stan Mortensen near the halfway line and he set off on one of his typical electric solo runs chased by the centre half. Reaching the penalty area, he feinted, then accelerated again; just when it looked as though the ball was running over the goal line near the edge of the penalty area. 'Morty' screwed a rising shot which hit the roof of the net. The goalkeeper was astonished and so were 80,000 Italians."
England went on to defeat Italy 4-0 in this match
England went on to defeat Italy 4-0 in this match