Ray Houghton has described his famous goal against England in Euro ‘88 as a “magical moment”. 

The goal brought the score to 1-0 in Ireland’s favour and is to this day remembered as one of the most iconic moments in the history of Irish football. 

Today is 35 years since the goal and Mr Houghton said people still remember him for it. 

“Whenever I come to Ireland, it’s always remembered,” he told The Hard Shoulder.  

“Someone always brings it up but even more so the one against Italy in 1994. 

“So, to be remembered that long and for people to send me good wishes on the day we won the match is actually incredible.” 

GCDHW2 Soccer - European Championships - Euro 88 West Germany - Group Two - Ireland v England - Neckarstadion

The goal gave Ireland a shock victory over England but at the time Mr Houghton had no idea how much of a big deal it would become. 

“It was my first international goal,” he said. 

“I think I was 16 games into my international career and I hadn’t scored. 

“If you ever see the replay of when the goal went in, the producer at the time actually went on John Aldridge. 

“He was looking at me thinking, ‘It couldn’t have been him.’” 

Modest

Despite his fame, Mr Houghton downplays his achievements and describes himself as an “assister of goals” rather than a top scorer. 

“Bear in mind, I didn’t score that many,” he said.  

As well as his career playing for the Republic of Ireland, Mr Houghton also played for Liverpool, West Ham United, Fulham, Oxford United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Reading and Stevenage Borough.

Main image: Ray Houghton