How Sunderland won the World Cup ... and other England dreams ahead of opening game in Russia

It’s a long shot we know, but in years to come Black Cats fans may well be dining out on the exploits of two Sunderland lads should England go all the way in the World Cup.

West Ham United fans never tire of telling the rest of football how the Hammers won the ‘66 final thanks to Messrs Hurst, Moore and Peters, so why not Sunderland?

Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson certainly have the star quality to, as they say, bring football home. And our two lions have no shortage of backing from Wearside.

As our readers’ comments reveal, the whole community is behind these local boys made good as England prepare for their first match of the tournament.

Given the fortunes of the Black Cats over the last three seasons, it’s great to give the long-suffering Sunderland fans something to cheer about. As Sunderland prepare for the season ahead, fans can rally round their old boys sporting the Three Lions on their chest.

And to hear the Jordans’ former teachers talk so fondly about the talent and determination of these local lads only serves to make the community proud of their sensational rise to the top of their sport.

SAFC legend Kevin Ball sums up the feelings of many in our city.

He said: “To have two local lads, whose formative years were within our academy structure, representing their country at a World Cup is something we are immensely proud of.

“They are both superb footballers and more importantly fantastic lads, who have never forgotten their Sunderland roots.”

If these two lions roar in Russia like we know they can, who knows what might happen.

Sunderland fans in years to come may well be telling their grandkids how the Black Cats won the World Cup in 2018. Well, before they’ve kicked a ball, at least we can dream ...

C’mon England!