Superfan Peter Robinson was present at Mexico’s Azteca stadium the last time England played there 40 years ago. He was among the 114,580 spectators witnessing the Three Lions in action under scorching conditions. Since then, he has attended eleven World Cups, including the 2026 tournament, passionately supporting England on their remarkable journey.
Peter’s collection of photographs narrates a captivating tale from a bygone era, capturing the historic match where Diego Maradona famously scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal along with the ‘Goal of the Century’. Recalling his memories of the Azteca, Peter, a 69-year-old Sunderland supporter, shared anecdotes of the vibrant atmosphere and unique experiences at the stadium, where England is set to face Mexico on Sunday.
Reflecting on his travels to Mexico at the age of 29 for what he describes as his “best World Cup experience,” Peter reminisced about the post-Falklands War period when tensions were high between England and Argentina. As a retired British Airways ramp worker from Hayes, Middlesex, Peter highlighted the overwhelming support England received from Mexican fans during that memorable event.
Looking back on the past, Peter vividly described the camaraderie among fans and the contrasting dynamics between supporters of different nations. Recounting the intense match against Paraguay and the challenges faced in Mexico City post-earthquake, Peter emphasized the vibrant energy that surrounded the tournament.
With a total of eleven World Cups under his belt, Peter expressed his fondness for the 1986 event in Mexico, particularly relishing the opportunity to witness every England game firsthand. As he anticipates another match at the Azteca stadium after four decades, Peter cautioned fellow Three Lions fans about the passionate atmosphere they can expect on Sunday, noting the fervor displayed by Mexican supporters following their recent victory over Ecuador, albeit marred by tragic incidents.
Despite acknowledging the tough competition, Peter remains optimistic about England’s performance, foreseeing a potential quarter or semi-final finish. He also highlighted the impact of VAR in modern football, contrasting it with the controversies of the past, including Maradona’s infamous handball incident, which went unnoticed until after the match.
Now, four decades later, Peter looks forward to a new chapter at the same iconic venue, hopeful for a different outcome this time around.
