When people talk about England at the 1986 World Cup, the conversation almost always ends up in the same place: Mexico City, the Estadio Azteca, Diego Maradona, the “Hand of God”, and one of the most controversial moments in football history.

But for Southampton supporters, there is another important detail in that story.

Standing in the England goal that day was not just the country’s most experienced goalkeeper. He was a Southampton player.

Peter Shilton went to Mexico ’86 as England’s number one and as Saints’ representative in Bobby Robson’s World Cup squad. At a time when Southampton were a respected First Division side, Shilton’s presence on the biggest stage in world football underlined the quality Saints had within their ranks.

Shilton had joined Southampton in 1982 after a glittering spell with Nottingham Forest, where he had won league titles and European Cups. By the time the 1986 World Cup came around, he was already one of the most respected goalkeepers in the game. Calm, organised, experienced and authoritative, he was exactly the sort of figure England wanted behind the back four in a major tournament.

England’s campaign in Mexico had started slowly. A defeat to Portugal and a goalless draw with Morocco left Bobby Robson’s side under pressure, before Gary Lineker’s hat-trick against Poland transformed the mood. England then beat Paraguay 3-0 in the last 16, with Shilton keeping another clean sheet, to set up a quarter-final against Argentina.

And not just any quarter-final.

On 22 June 1986, England faced Argentina at the Estadio Azteca. Four years on from the Falklands War, the fixture carried a political and emotional weight far beyond football. For the players, it was a World Cup knockout match. For millions watching at home, it felt like something more.

For 45 minutes, England stood firm. Shilton, wearing the number one shirt, marshalled his defence as England kept Argentina out. Then, early in the second half, came the moment that has lived in football history ever since.

A loose ball looped into the England penalty area. Shilton came out to punch it clear. Maradona challenged him. The ball went into the net. To England’s disbelief, the goal was given.

Maradona later gave the moment its immortal name: the “Hand of God”.

For Shilton, it was a bitter injustice. As a goalkeeper, he had done what he was supposed to do: come for the ball, use his height, and claim the space. But Maradona’s hand had got there first. The officials missed it, and England were behind.

Just minutes later, Maradona scored again — this time with a goal of breathtaking brilliance. Picking the ball up inside his own half, he slalomed through England’s midfield and defence before beating Shilton to make it 2-0. It would later be celebrated as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.

That is what makes the match so extraordinary. In the space of a few minutes, England and Shilton were on the receiving end of two of football’s most famous moments: one illegal, one genius.

England did not give in. John Barnes came off the bench and changed the momentum, attacking down the left and giving Argentina real problems. Gary Lineker pulled a goal back late on, and suddenly Argentina were hanging on. Another Barnes cross almost brought an equaliser, with Lineker arriving at the far post, but England could not quite force extra-time.

Argentina won 2-1 and went on to lift the World Cup.

For Shilton, the game became a defining part of his England story, though it should never be allowed to define him completely. He was far more than the goalkeeper beaten by Maradona. He was England’s most capped male player, a World Cup ever-present across three tournaments, and one of the finest goalkeepers this country has ever produced.

For Southampton, there is pride in remembering that one of our own stood in goal on that unforgettable day. Shilton was not a former Saint looking back from afar, nor a player who would arrive years later. He was a Southampton player at the time — representing club and country on the greatest stage in football.

There is also a small Saints “what might have been” attached to Mexico ’86. Mark Wright, another Southampton player, might well have been part of that England squad had injury not cruelly intervened. But as it was, Shilton carried the Saints connection into the tournament and into one of the most replayed matches in World Cup history.

The Argentina game remains painful for England fans. It is remembered for injustice, brilliance, frustration and near-miss. But from a Saints Archive perspective, it is also part of Southampton’s World Cup story.

Peter Shilton stood in the heat and altitude of Mexico City as England’s last line of defence. He wore the Three Lions on his chest, but he also carried Southampton’s name into one of football’s most iconic afternoons.

Mexico ’86 belongs to Maradona in the history books.

But Southampton had a man right at the heart of it.

Factual basis: Shilton was listed in England’s 1986 World Cup squad as a Southampton player, England lost 2-1 to Argentina at the Estadio Azteca on 22 June 1986, and England Football credits Shilton with a record 17 England World Cup appearances across 1982, 1986 and 1990. (englandfootballonline.com)