Sixty years to the day after England's 1966 World Cup triumph, the Three Lions will face Germany again — but this time at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park, not Wembley. The match on July 30 at 3pm features the over-75s national teams.
Silver Lions Squad Includes BBC Presenter
The England Over-75s team, nicknamed the Silver Lions, includes BBC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Sweeney, 78, who plays right back. He is earning his fifth international cap for the squad, having made his debut in 2024 against Wales. Player-manager Ken Pollock, 78, said Sweeney 'fully merited his selection because of the quality of his play' and 'demonstrated robustness in the tackle'.
Mike Sweeney: 'It's Time We Played in the North'
Sweeney, who turned 79 in September, said: 'To get a cap you need to play three games. I have now played four times... It's brilliant, you have to buy your cap.' He noted the team is usually based in the south but he arranged the Oldham venue through contacts at the club. 'I spoke to Darren Royle and owner Frank Rothwell, and the response was ''no problem, absolutely''.'
The team will wear red shirts as a nod to Sir Alf Ramsey's 1966 side. 'My only regret is that it is not the round necked heavy cotton shirt they wore,' Sweeney added. Germany are expected to play in their traditional black and white.
No FA Support, but Charity Match Goes Ahead
The England Over-75s are affiliated with the Football Association but receive no support, according to Sweeney. 'We have no support from the Football Association... there is no infrastructure where we are part of the international team set up.'
Tickets cost £5, with free entry for children. Any profits will be donated to charity. Sweeney hopes the north of England will turn out in bigger numbers than the 50 people who watched at St George's Park.
Sweeney's Football Career and Fitness Regime
Sweeney played for Bury FC reserves, Droylsden, and Hyde, and stopped non-league at 60. He keeps fit with weights and weekly football. 'I do take it dead serious... no quarter is given,' he said. He encourages exercise at any age, describing the post-game feeling as 'a load of endorphins swimming around'. 'You can't buy that feeling,' he added.
