Peter Shilton, England's record 125-cap goalkeeper, has stated he is ready to move on from the controversy surrounding Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal 40 years after the infamous 1986 World Cup quarter-final. The 76-year-old admitted the anguish from England's defeat to Argentina has never fully left him, but a recent documentary experience has shifted his perspective.
Shilton recalled the moment in the Estadio Azteca when midfielder Steve Hodge attempted to clear the ball, only to send it looping towards his own goal. Despite the 6ft goalkeeper expecting to collect the ball against the much smaller Maradona, the ball ultimately ended up in the net. Replays later confirmed Maradona had used his hand, a fact he later acknowledged, stating the goal was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."
The enduring pain for Shilton stemmed from the belief that England could have gone on to win the World Cup had Maradona's goal been disallowed. He also felt their second goal, the "goal of the century" scored by Maradona, should have been ruled out for a foul on Glenn Hoddle in the build-up. Shilton expressed a wish that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology had been available then to overturn the decision.
His change of heart has been influenced by an encounter with Argentinian players from that 1986 squad during the filming of a documentary titled "The Match." Shilton described the experience as emotional and found the former opponents to be very welcoming, which helped him feel it was time to "put this beef to bed."
Goalkeeping legacy and current form
Shilton, who also holds the record for most clean sheets for England with 66 and is the only player to have appeared in over 1,000 English league matches, offered his views on the current crop of goalkeepers. He rates Jordan Pickford as the best English goalkeeper since his own playing career concluded.
"I've watched Jordan since he was young and he's gradually improved," Shilton said. "I like the way he takes charge of his defence and helps them. His distribution is terrific. He can ping balls from 50 yards to people's feet. Being good with the ball at your feet is massive these days."
Kane's record and World Cup hopes
With Harry Kane closing in on Shilton's record of 125 international appearances, the former goalkeeper urged the current England captain to surpass his milestone. Kane currently stands at 118 caps after scoring twice in England's recent victory over DR Congo.
"Harry's got a great chance, I think he should break it actually," Shilton stated. "He's been a great leader, a great ambassador for England. He scores goals and for a forward to break my record will be a testament to his fitness and his dedication."
Shilton praised Kane's dedication, noting that the striker has consistently earned his caps through full match appearances rather than short cameos. He also expressed optimism for England's chances in the upcoming World Cup, believing the team is among a select group of contenders who could win the tournament, provided they get a bit of luck.
"We're one of five or six teams who are there with a great chance," he added. "You always need that bit of luck which I don't think we've had too much in recent years."