THE BATTLE OF HIGHBURY

LIAM HARDING RECALLS AN INFAMOUS MATCH BETWEEN ENGLAND AND ITALY

- LIAM HARDING

ONE of the most brutal matches in world football history took place 90 years ago in north London.

On November 14, 1934, England met reigning World Cup winners Italy in a game that became known as The Battle of Highbury.

Some in England deemed it the 'proper World Cup final' following the FA's decision to not accept the offer of participating in the tournament earlier that year in Italy.

Italian dictator Benito Mussolini promised his players that if they secured victory they would be awarded the equivalent of £150 in prize money and an Alfa Romeo each. In the event, he didn't need to pay up.

The historic occasion witnessed England start a record-breaking seven players from one club, namely hosts Arsenal.