Battle of Highbury
Encyclopedia
The "Battle of Highbury" was the name given to the football match between England
and Italy
that took place on 14 November 1934 at Arsenal Stadium
, Highbury
, London. England won 3–2 in a hotly contested and frequently violent match.
that summer, although England had not taken part as the Football Association
had left FIFA
in 1928. England were still considered one of the strongest teams in Europe at the time, and the match was billed in England at least as the "real" World Cup final. The match was important enough to the Italians that Benito Mussolini
had reportedly offered each player an Alfa Romeo
car and the equivalent of £150 (about £6,000 in modern terms) if they beat the English.
The match set a record, in that it was the first and so far only time that seven players registered with the same club (namely Arsenal
) started for England. Coincidentally, the match was played at Arsenal's home stadium, Highbury. In addition to the seven Arsenal players (Frank Moss, George Male
, Eddie Hapgood
, Wilf Copping
, Ray Bowden
, Ted Drake
and Cliff Bastin
), a young Stanley Matthews
won his second cap for the side; Cliff Britton
, Jack Barker
and Eric Brook
were the other three players. The England side was largely inexperienced, with every player having fewer than ten caps for his country.
broke his foot after a challenge from Drake, and had to withdraw after only two minutes. With no substitutes allowed in those days, the Italians had to play the rest of the game with 10 men. Enraged by Monti's treatment, the visitors repeatedly retaliated against their English opponents: Eddie Hapgood had his nose broken (and had to be withdrawn for 15 minutes), while Bowden damaged his ankle, Drake was punched and Brook had his arm fractured.
Brook missed a first-minute penalty after Drake was fouled by Carlo Ceresoli
, but promptly turned from villain to hero as he soon scored twice, with a header and a free kick
. Ted Drake added a third before half-time to make it 3-0.
scored twice, and was only denied an equaliser by the woodwork and a series of saves from England's athletic goalkeeper, Frank Moss. England's "hardman" Wilf Copping took the man of the match award with a strong fighting and tackling display in midfield.
The match settled nothing; although the English could claim a win and unofficially crown their young and inexperienced side World Champions, the Italians could claim they had been handicapped for virtually the entire match by being a man down. One thing that could not be contested was the violent nature of the match; the FA considered withdrawing from all internationals as a result, while Stanley Matthews would later recount that it was the most violent match of his long career.
In Italy, despite their loss the team are still celebrated as "The Lions of Highbury".
style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
ITALY:
|
GK
1
Carlo Ceresoli
RB
2
Eraldo Monzeglio
LB
3
Luigi Allemandi
RH
4
Attilio Ferraris
(c)
CH
5
Luis Monti
LH
6
Luigi Bertolini
OR
7
Enrique Guaita
IR
8
Pietro Serantoni
CF
9
Giuseppe Meazza
IL
10
Giovanni Ferrari
OL
11
Raimundo Orsi
Manager:
Vittorio Pozzo
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
and Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
that took place on 14 November 1934 at Arsenal Stadium
Arsenal Stadium
Arsenal Stadium was a football stadium in Highbury, North London, which was the home ground of Arsenal Football Club between 6 September 1913 and 7 May 2006...
, Highbury
Highbury
- Early Highbury :The area now known as Islington was part of the larger manor of Tolentone, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Tolentone was owned by Ranulf brother of Ilger and included all the areas north and east of Canonbury and Holloway Road. The manor house was situated by what is now...
, London. England won 3–2 in a hotly contested and frequently violent match.
Background
This was Italy's first match since they had won the 1934 FIFA World Cup1934 FIFA World Cup
The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Italy from 27 May to 10 June 1934....
that summer, although England had not taken part as the Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
had left FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
in 1928. England were still considered one of the strongest teams in Europe at the time, and the match was billed in England at least as the "real" World Cup final. The match was important enough to the Italians that Benito Mussolini
Benito Mussolini
Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini was an Italian politician who led the National Fascist Party and is credited with being one of the key figures in the creation of Fascism....
had reportedly offered each player an Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
car and the equivalent of £150 (about £6,000 in modern terms) if they beat the English.
The match set a record, in that it was the first and so far only time that seven players registered with the same club (namely Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
) started for England. Coincidentally, the match was played at Arsenal's home stadium, Highbury. In addition to the seven Arsenal players (Frank Moss, George Male
George Male
Charles George Male was an English footballer.Born in West Ham, London, Male trialled with West Ham United before playing with non-league Clapton. He joined Arsenal as an amateur in November 1929, turning professional in May 1930 and made his debut in a 7-1 victory over Blackpool on December 27,...
, Eddie Hapgood
Eddie Hapgood
Edris Albert "Eddie" Hapgood was an English footballer, who captained both Arsenal and England during the 1930s....
, Wilf Copping
Wilf Copping
Wilfred "Wilf" Copping was an English footballer who played for Leeds United, Arsenal and the England national team.-Leeds United:...
, Ray Bowden
Ray Bowden
Edwin Raymond "Ray" Bowden was an English footballer.Born in Looe, Cornwall, he played for local non-league side Looe; a prolific centre forward, despite his slight frame he scored over 100 goals in a season, including ten in a single match...
, Ted Drake
Ted Drake
Edward Joseph "Ted" Drake was an English football player and manager. As a player, he first played for Southampton but made his name playing for Arsenal in the 1930s, winning two league titles and an FA Cup, as well as five caps for England. He was also a cricketer, but only ever played sparingly...
and Cliff Bastin
Cliff Bastin
Clifford Sydney Bastin was an English football player.Born in Heavitree near Exeter, Bastin started his career at Exeter City, making his debut for the club in 1928, at the age of 16...
), a young Stanley Matthews
Stanley Matthews
Sir Stanley Matthews, CBE was an English footballer. Often regarded as one of the greatest players of the English game, he is the only player to have been knighted while still playing, as well as being the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers'...
won his second cap for the side; Cliff Britton
Cliff Britton
Clifford Samuel Britton was a footballer and football manager. He was born 29 August 1909 in Hanham in Bristol and died 1 December 1975.-Playing career:...
, Jack Barker
Jack Barker
John William "Jack" Barker was an English footballer who played 327 league games for Derby County and won 11 England caps...
and Eric Brook
Eric Brook
Eric Fred Brook was an English footballer who played in the outside left position. He is the all time record goalscorer for Manchester City in all competitions and was an England international. Brook was a muscular player with 'one of the fiercest shots in pre-war football' and was a good penalty...
were the other three players. The England side was largely inexperienced, with every player having fewer than ten caps for his country.
First half
The match was violent from the very start; the Italian centre half Luis MontiLuis Monti
Luis Felipe Monti was an Italian Argentine footballer who played as a midfielder. Monti has the distinction of having played in two FIFA World Cup final matches with two different national teams. He played the first of these finals with his native Argentina in 1930, which he lost to Uruguay; and...
broke his foot after a challenge from Drake, and had to withdraw after only two minutes. With no substitutes allowed in those days, the Italians had to play the rest of the game with 10 men. Enraged by Monti's treatment, the visitors repeatedly retaliated against their English opponents: Eddie Hapgood had his nose broken (and had to be withdrawn for 15 minutes), while Bowden damaged his ankle, Drake was punched and Brook had his arm fractured.
Brook missed a first-minute penalty after Drake was fouled by Carlo Ceresoli
Carlo Ceresoli
Carlo Ceresoli was an Italian football goalkeeper. Born in Bergamo, he played in the Serie B with Atalanta, and in the Serie A with Inter Milan, Bologna, Genoa and Juventus....
, but promptly turned from villain to hero as he soon scored twice, with a header and a free kick
Direct free kick
A direct free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football following a foul. Unlike an indirect free kick, a goal may be scored directly against the opposing side without the ball having first touched another player.-Award:...
. Ted Drake added a third before half-time to make it 3-0.
Second half
However, Italy were not World Champions for nothing, and after half time took the game to England. Giuseppe MeazzaGiuseppe Meazza
Giuseppe "Peppino" Meazza , also known as il Balilla, was an Italian footballer playing mainly for Internazionale in the 1930s, scoring 242 goals in 365 games for the club. He led Italy to win two World Cups: in 1934 and in 1938, winning the Golden Ball Award in 1934. He is widely considered the...
scored twice, and was only denied an equaliser by the woodwork and a series of saves from England's athletic goalkeeper, Frank Moss. England's "hardman" Wilf Copping took the man of the match award with a strong fighting and tackling display in midfield.
The match settled nothing; although the English could claim a win and unofficially crown their young and inexperienced side World Champions, the Italians could claim they had been handicapped for virtually the entire match by being a man down. One thing that could not be contested was the violent nature of the match; the FA considered withdrawing from all internationals as a result, while Stanley Matthews would later recount that it was the most violent match of his long career.
In Italy, despite their loss the team are still celebrated as "The Lions of Highbury".
Kits
England wore a white shirt and navy blue shorts. Italy wore traditional blue shirts and white shorts.Match details
| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> |  ENGLAND: |
|
| GK | 1 | Frank Moss |
| RB | 2 | George Male George Male Charles George Male was an English footballer.Born in West Ham, London, Male trialled with West Ham United before playing with non-league Clapton. He joined Arsenal as an amateur in November 1929, turning professional in May 1930 and made his debut in a 7-1 victory over Blackpool on December 27,... |
| LB | 3 | Eddie Hapgood Eddie Hapgood Edris Albert "Eddie" Hapgood was an English footballer, who captained both Arsenal and England during the 1930s.... (c) |
| RH | 4 | Cliff Britton Cliff Britton Clifford Samuel Britton was a footballer and football manager. He was born 29 August 1909 in Hanham in Bristol and died 1 December 1975.-Playing career:... |
| CH | 5 | Jack Barker Jack Barker John William "Jack" Barker was an English footballer who played 327 league games for Derby County and won 11 England caps... |
| LH | 6 | Wilf Copping Wilf Copping Wilfred "Wilf" Copping was an English footballer who played for Leeds United, Arsenal and the England national team.-Leeds United:... |
| OR | 7 | Stanley Matthews Stanley Matthews Sir Stanley Matthews, CBE was an English footballer. Often regarded as one of the greatest players of the English game, he is the only player to have been knighted while still playing, as well as being the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers'... |
| IR | 8 | Ray Bowden Ray Bowden Edwin Raymond "Ray" Bowden was an English footballer.Born in Looe, Cornwall, he played for local non-league side Looe; a prolific centre forward, despite his slight frame he scored over 100 goals in a season, including ten in a single match... |
| CF | 9 | Ted Drake Ted Drake Edward Joseph "Ted" Drake was an English football player and manager. As a player, he first played for Southampton but made his name playing for Arsenal in the 1930s, winning two league titles and an FA Cup, as well as five caps for England. He was also a cricketer, but only ever played sparingly... |
| IL | 10 | Cliff Bastin Cliff Bastin Clifford Sydney Bastin was an English football player.Born in Heavitree near Exeter, Bastin started his career at Exeter City, making his debut for the club in 1928, at the age of 16... |
| OL | 11 | Eric Brook Eric Brook Eric Fred Brook was an English footballer who played in the outside left position. He is the all time record goalscorer for Manchester City in all competitions and was an England international. Brook was a muscular player with 'one of the fiercest shots in pre-war football' and was a good penalty... |
ITALY:
Carlo Ceresoli
Carlo Ceresoli was an Italian football goalkeeper. Born in Bergamo, he played in the Serie B with Atalanta, and in the Serie A with Inter Milan, Bologna, Genoa and Juventus....
Eraldo Monzeglio
Eraldo Monzeglio was an Italian football defender.Monzeglio was born in Vignale Monferrato, in the province of Alessandria ....
Luigi Allemandi
Luigi Allemandi was an Italian footballer who played as a defender.Born in San Damiano Macra, province of Cuneo, he debuted in 1921 with A.C. Legnano. Later, he played with Juventus F.C., F.C. Internazionale Milano, A.S. Roma, S.S.C. Venezia and S.S. Lazio. He was a member of the Italian national...
Attilio Ferraris
Attilio Ferraris was an Italian football midfielder.He played 10 seasons in the Serie A for A.S. Roma, S.S. Lazio and A.S. Bari...
(c)
Luis Monti
Luis Felipe Monti was an Italian Argentine footballer who played as a midfielder. Monti has the distinction of having played in two FIFA World Cup final matches with two different national teams. He played the first of these finals with his native Argentina in 1930, which he lost to Uruguay; and...
Luigi Bertolini
Luigi Bertolini was an Italian football midfielder.-Biography:Born in Busalla, province of Genoa, he played in the 1920s for Savona, Alessandria and Juventus. He played 135 matches for Juventus, scoring five goals, helping the team to win four Serie A tournaments...
Enrique Guaita
Enrique Guaita commonly known as "Enrico Guaita" was an Italian Argentine footballer who played for both Argentina and Italy...
Pietro Serantoni
Pietro Serantoni was an Italian football midfielder.Born in Venice, he played for Società Sprotiva Calcio Venezia, Internazionale , Juventus , A.S...
Giuseppe Meazza
Giuseppe "Peppino" Meazza , also known as il Balilla, was an Italian footballer playing mainly for Internazionale in the 1930s, scoring 242 goals in 365 games for the club. He led Italy to win two World Cups: in 1934 and in 1938, winning the Golden Ball Award in 1934. He is widely considered the...
Giovanni Ferrari
Giovanni Ferrari was an Italian football player. He played 125 times for Juventus F.C and scored 35 goals for the club...
Raimundo Orsi
Raimundo Bibiani "Mumo" Orsi was an Italian Argentine footballer who won the 1934 FIFA World Cup with Italy and the silver medal at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Netherlands.-Club:...
Vittorio PozzoVittorio Pozzo
Vittorio Pozzo 21 December 1968) was an Italian football coach who was most famous for leading the Italian national team to victory in the 1934 FIFA World Cup and 1938 FIFA World Cups; managed the side that won the 1930 and 1935 editions of the Central European International Cup, as well as the...