AN ENGLAND player who helped set up Nat Lofthouse's match-winning goal during the famous game in Vienna said: "We thought we would get beat, but Nat saved the day."

Birmingham City goalkeeper Gil Merrick had 23 caps for his country and was in goal on that fantastic night in the Austrian capital.

He still has fond memories of that occasion when he and Nat Lofthouse helped defeat the "Champions of Europe".

He told the Bolton Evening News: "I remember it well. They didn't have European championships in those days, but Austria were thought to be the best.

"It was billed as a match to decide which team was the best in Europe. We honestly thought we might be defeated, but we were the best team on the night."

Gil, who was on the books at Birmingham City for more than 20 years, said: "Nat gave the Austrians some stick that night, despite getting a hammering from their defenders.

"I remember his match-winner. I caught a corner and threw the ball up to Tom Finney. He turned and played it to Nat, who ran about 25 yards and slipped it into the net just before the final whistle.

"I couldn't believe we had won. It was one of the best nights of my life."