Nat Lofthouse, one of the greatest footballers ever to represent England and a true legend, died Saturday aged 85.
Lofthouse was one of the most lethal centre forwards ever to play for England, scoring 30 goals in 33 appearances. Nicknamed The Lion Of Vienna, the honest and gutsy footballer played for his hometown club Bolton Wanderers where he scored 255 goals in 452 league appearances.
There were many highlights of his career, some of which included his performance in the famous FA Cup Final of 1953 between Bolton and Blackpool which became known as ‘The Matthews Final,’ where Stanley Matthews led Blackpool to a historic 4-3 win. Despite the loss, he was the leading scorer in the First Division that season as well as being named Footballer of the Year.
Lofthouse got his FA Cup Final medal in 1958 when Bolton defeated a Manchester United side after scoring both of Bolton’s goals. The second one was infamous because he went into a challenge with United goalkeeper Harry Gregg and barged him into the net to score a goal. Shoulder charging was fair play in those days. Watch the video below to see the best of Lofthouse and the controversial second goal, as well as Nat receiving the FA Cup trophy.
THE CUP FINAL
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Last, but not least, here is a wonderful feature on Nat Lofthouse including interviews and thoughts by the England legend, interviewed by another football legend, Jimmy Armfield of England and Blackpool.
Rest in peace Nat Lofthouse.
