We’re celebrating our footballing links during EURO2016 with profiles of personalities from the past.
Nicknamed ‘The Golden Boy’ on account of his blonde hair, WILFRED JAMES MANNION played more than 350 games for Middlesbrough and was capped 25 times by his country.
As a Green Howards soldier, he saw action during The Second World War in France, particularly during the withdrawal to Dunkirk.
Mannion was part of the England squad that went to the 1950 World Cup Finals in Brazil. They were beaten 1-0 by the United States.
The image above shows The Depot football team 1940-1941. This formidable team boasted two international players – Mannion, seated second from left, and Tommy McCabe who played for Ireland (third from left).
