1955–56 British Home Championship
The 1955–56 British Home Championship was a football tournament played during the 1955–56 season between the British Home Nations. It was the only occasion during the hundred-year run of the Home Championship in which all four teams finished level on points. As goal difference was not used to determine position until 1979, all four teams shared the trophy, holding it for three months each. Had goal difference been used to determine the winner, then England would have won with Scotland second.
The competition began unusually with victories by \Wales and Ireland over England and Scotland in their opening matches. This gave added incentive to the favourites in the following matches, which England and Scotland both won easily. Nevertheless, all four teams stood a good chance of victory going into the final round, with both Wales and Ireland seeking a rare undisputed tournament success. However, the teams cancelled each other out, both matches resulting in 1–1 draws leaving all four equal on points and thus sharing the trophy.
Table
Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
England (C) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 3 |
Scotland (C) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 3 |
Wales (C) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 3 |
Ireland (C) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | −2 | 3 |
Rules for classification: 1) points. The points system worked as follows: 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw.
(C) Co-champions
Results
England | 3 – 0 | Ireland |
---|---|---|
Dennis Wilshaw 2, Tom Finney |
Scotland | 2 – 0 | Wales |
---|---|---|
Bobby Johnstone 2 |
Scotland | 1 – 1 | England |
---|---|---|
Graham Leggat (60) | Johnny Haynes (90) |
References
- Special For Scotland - Scotland V Wales, video footage from official Pathé News archive
- Poverty Of Forward Play in Hampden International, The Glasgow Herald, 16 April 1956, scan via London Hearts Supporters Club
- Guy Oliver (1992). The Guinness Record of World Soccer. Guinness. ISBN 0-85112-954-4.