Whoever wins this World Cup final will of course go in the history books in what has already been a fine sporting season.

Image source, Getty Images

On the domestic front, it has been all smiles on Merseyside. Liverpool won their seventh title from Leeds United, while Everton added the FA Cup by beating Sheffield Wednesday.

My own team - Northampton Town - were also in the top flight for the first time, going down on the final weekend. Almost certainly, we'll be back next season though. Definitely.

Boxing showman Muhammad Ali defeated London's own Henry Cooper in a classic bout just six weeks or so ago at Highbury, Anglo won the Grand National, Charlottown the Derby and Arkle taking the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the third year in a row. A fine horse that lad. One to watch.

Graham Hill won the Indy 500, Wales took the Five Nations honours and Manuel Santana and Billie Jean King took the honours at Wimbledon.

This winter's Sports Personality could be a tough call...

It was the quarter-finals and out for England four years ago in Chile, but on home turf this summer Alf Ramsey has steered the Three Lions all the way to this afternoon's final.

The omens are good - England have never lost against the West Germans. Keep that record up and the streets of London will be swinging again by tea-time...

Image source, PA

"I think, with all sincerity, that we shall win the World Cup in 1966."

Those brave words were uttered by England manager Alf Ramsey when he took the job just over three years ago, at the start of 1963.

He's had his ups and downs over the last few years but now Ramsey is just 90 minutes - or potentially 120 minutes - away from delivering on that promise at an expectant Wembley Stadium.

Will Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Gordon Banks really become world champions this afternoon? Can they stop West Germany and win the World Cup for the first time for England?

England expects. Does England believe...?