Frank Blunstone, a 91-year-old former England international, has become an internet sensation after praising the Three Lions' performance in the 2026 World Cup. Blunstone, who made five appearances for England in the 1950s, is believed to be the oldest ex-player to comment on the tournament. His insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of English football.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Stoke, Blunstone shared his thoughts on the current England team's performance. Despite his age and limited exposure to the tournament due to his early bedtime, he believes the team has 'done very well' so far. He highlights the challenges posed by tough fixtures, noting that teams are now more focused on not losing than winning.
"It's not an easy game," Blunstone said about England's upcoming match against Norway. "A lot of teams now, they come out, make sure they don't lose – that's their first priority. It's difficult to break down, this is why you get 1-0, 2-1, 1-0 and late goals. They won't attack from the word go."
Blunstone's critique of the modern game's defensive tactics is a common sentiment among older football enthusiasts. He believes that the tactic of teams getting '11 behind the ball' often makes the game 'boring'. This sentiment resonates with many who miss the free-flowing, attacking football of the past.
The left winger also reminisced about his own playing days, recalling his surprise at being picked for England just days before a match against Wales in 1954 due to an injury to Nat Lofthouse. He described the experience of pulling on the England shirt as 'fantastic' and 'something you dream of'.
When asked about the compatibility of modern players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham with the England team of the 1950s, Blunstone was quick to affirm their suitability. He praised their goal-scoring abilities, stating that any striker would have fit into the team.
"Oh definitely, absolutely," he said. "Any strikers would have fit in. I was lucky enough to play with the best… Jimmy Greaves – absolutely fantastic. It's a natural thing, they've got everything it takes to score goals."
Blunstone's post-playing career has been equally impressive. He served as a coach at Brentford and abroad in Greece, and he is currently the president of Nantwich Town FC in Cheshire. His dedication to the sport is evident in his frequent attendance at games, where he lends his support.
"I was in football all my life," he said. "To get paid for doing something you really enjoy is fantastic."
Blunstone's comments have sparked a renewed interest in the 2026 World Cup, with many fans and pundits reflecting on the evolution of the game. His perspective, informed by his own playing days and extensive coaching experience, offers a unique and valuable insight into the sport's past and present.
