A ground of a million memories

An England legends XI were rolled over 7-2 by a team of German veterans at Upton Park as the 1966 World Cup victory was marked yesterday.

The Mail reports: The match, which also paid its respect to West Ham’s famous stadium ahead of their move across town, was contested by a mixture of big names from inside and outside the world of football.

Jens Lehmann denied Darren Anderton in the most notable moment of a tense opening before a double from Hanna Balitsch, either side of a Mark Rehmer strike, put the visitors into a commanding lead.

Ballack’s men showed no signs of letting up after the break with David Odonkor, once of Borussia Dortmund, heading past David James.

Oliver Neuville and Marco Reich made it six as England looked nothing like a team captained by ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

England boss Ray Winstone, in an effort to switch things up, turned to his non-footballing stars and it quickly paid off.

Comedian Jack Whitehall was the provider as Rugby Union’s Ben Cohen forced the ball home to pull one back.

The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner quickly proved it was no fluke, adding a second soon after.

Neuville fired a seventh in the closing minutes .