Wilfrid James Mannion (16 May 1918 – 14 April 2000) was an English professional footballer who played as an inside forward, He scored 110 goals in all competitions for Middlesbrough.

Mannion fought in France and Italy during World War II, and in Italy his commanding officer was the England cricketer Hedley Verity. He then played non-league football with Poole Town and Cambridge United and finished his playing career at Haverhill Rovers.

International career

Mannion was capped on 26 occasions by the England national team between 1946 and 1951, and his final appearance came on 3 October 1951. He was a member of the England squad for the 1950 FIFA World Cup.

He remains the only Middlesbrough player to score for England at the World Cup.

After football

Mannion was eventually awarded a testimonial match by Middlesbrough in 1983, alongside former Boro and England colleague George Hardwick.

Mannion died on 14 April 2000 at the age of 81. After his death, Middlesbrough FC erected a statue of Mannion outside the Riverside Stadium.

References

  • Profile at Spartacus Educational