Archive, 1990: Peter Shilton wins 125th cap making him England’s record appearance holder

Harry Kane is expected to break the record for England men’s appearances tonight against Croatia at Wembley in the Nations League, overtaking goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s 125 appearances, a record set nearly four decades ago at the World Cup in Italy.

Shilton wore the captain’s armband in his final England appearance in the unloved third-place play-off against Italy in Bari. The Three Lions had previously lost on penalties to West Germany in the semi-finals.

The Guardian’s Ian Ridley, pitch side, reported that Shilton, who announced his retirement from international football that night, said: “I would just like to say how much I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 20 years.”

That joy must have been tempered slightly, though, when, in the 71st minute, Shilton, who had made his international debut against East Germany in 1970, untypically lost concentration, allowing Roberto Baggio to steal the ball as he casually cleared a back pass and scored Italy’s opening goal.

Despite a pinpoint headed equaliser by David Platt, England went down 2-1, with Schillaci scoring a penalty to win the tournament’s Golden Boot. It was also England manager Bobby Robson’s last game in charge. On his rare error, Shilton said of his teammates: “No one, though, seemed to mind much.”

England double act take their bows and exit with honour – Third place play-off: Italy 2, England 1

By Ian Ridley in Bari
9 July 1990

It was goodnight from him and it was goodnight from him. Bobby Robson ended his eight years as keeper of the England keys and Peter Shilton his career as keeper of the England goal, after 125 appearances, in footballing debit but moral credit.

At times, too, it must have seemed like a custodial sentence for Robson, but not on a windy, moonlit Saturday night by the Adriatic at the San Nicola stadium. The loss to Italy was honourable, like the man and certainly in this tournament the team.

The draping banners for Italy saying “Thanks anyway” applied equally to England. “Bravissimo” was the verdict on them of Azeglio Vicini, the host nation’s manager. Robson exuded bonhomie, except that he could not resist a bit of manager-speak about the two goals “which I’m not very happy about”.

Unfortunately for Shilton, 30 minutes before announcing his retirement “I would just like to say how much I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 20 years” his error gave Italy their first goal. No one, though, seemed to mind much.

Robson “made” Shilton play because he wanted him to finish at the top, even though the venerable one was ready to stand aside for Woods. For Robson “I shall miss it greatly. It has been my life for eight years” it was “nice” that the two should end at the same time. ‘No doubt we’ll both be missed,” he added with a smile.

Shilton saved excellently from Ferrara in the first half, tipping his shot on to a post, but after 70 minutes found himself Gary Crosbyed by Baggio as he tried to dribble the ball. Baggio was offside when Schillaci fed him the ball to cut inside Parker and score, but then again Shilton had brought him down as punishment for robbing him. It all evened out.

So did the game 10 minutes later, England’s favourite time. The next manager might even consider beginning his team talk: ‘Right lads. Just imagine we’re one down and there’s 10 minutes to go ...’

Dorigo, who had an excellent first start proving again that as a left-back he is an outstanding left-winger crossed and Platt beat Baresi and his ball-watching defence to thump home a header.

No one could contemplate extra-time, least of all the referee Joel Quiniou, it seemed. Having apparently decided earlier that these teams had had enough of penalties hence his decision to ignore Ancelotti’s handling of Beardsley’s free-kick he changed his mind with five minutes left.

Schillaci fell over Walker’s legs and the ‘little hero’, as Robson called him, stepped up to move out on his own as the top scorer of the tournament with his sixth goal. Italy were denied a third in injury-time when a badly erring linesman flagged Berti offside after he had beautifully headed home Baggio’s cross.

England played their part in an entertaining game. It was less tame than might have been expected and was certainly taken seriously by both sides.

The record will show that Robson’s teams played 95, won 47, drew 29 and lost 19 and that Shilton was one of three Bryan Robson and Butcher the others who spanned his tenure. Indeed, it was the passing of an era, but one that should not be allowed to end.

ITALY: Zenga; Baresi, Bergomi, De Agostini (Berti, 65min), Ferrara, Maldini, Vierchowod, Ancelotti, Giannini (Ferri, 89), Baggio, Schillaci.

ENGLAND: Shilton; Stevens, Walker, Wright (Waddle, 73), Parker, Dorigo, Steven, McMahon (Webb, 73), Platt, Lineker, Beardsley.