I noted a few months ago that England would have been ranked around 4th in the world in both 74 and 78 had rankings existed then. This suggests they ought to have got out of the group stages had they qualified. Could they have reached the final with some lucky breaks and proven talents like Keegan (78)?
I know that "but they didn't qualify" is an obvious response but Poland and Italy both finished in the Top 4, so you could argue that both qualifying draws were extremely lopsided relative to the strength of the teams (albeit Poland and Italy were still on the rise when the draw was made).
My take: 1974 Ramsey was probably losing it and the top 3 were very strong indeed (all-time great sides). 1978 is a better chance, with no truly great side there and Keegan at his peak.
I know that "but they didn't qualify" is an obvious response but Poland and Italy both finished in the Top 4, so you could argue that both qualifying draws were extremely lopsided relative to the strength of the teams (albeit Poland and Italy were still on the rise when the draw was made).
My take: 1974 Ramsey was probably losing it and the top 3 were very strong indeed (all-time great sides). 1978 is a better chance, with no truly great side there and Keegan at his peak.
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