of 57 goals ; in 1957–58 their combined tally was 60 goals. Preston were First Division runners-up again in 1957–58, five points behind champions Wolverhampton Wanderers. England Finney made his international debut for England on 28 September 1946, only four weeks after his Football League debut. The match was at Windsor Park against Ireland in the Home Championship. Finney scored once in England's 7–2 victory. He later said the match was his "proudest day as a footballer". Finney won 76 caps and scored 30 goals in an England career that spanned twelve years and included 51 victories. He scored his 29th international goal in June 1958 against the Soviet Union to become joint England all-time top-scorer, sharing the record with Vivian Woodward and Nat Lofthouse. In October the same year, he netted his 30th goal, against Northern Ireland, to become the sole holder of the record. Two weeks later, Lofthouse equalled his tally. Both were surpassed by Bobby Charlton in October 1963. Finney made his final appearance for England in October 1958, in a 5–0 win over the Soviet Union at Wembley. Style and technique Finney was a versatile attacking player who could operate in any forward position on either side of the pitch or at centre-forward. In the 1950s, he was often compared with Stanley Matthews and football fans would debate who was the best player, given Matthews' dribbling skills and Finney's all round ability. Relatively small in stature, Finney could withstand hard tackling but his movement, speed and ball control invariably enabled him to avoid contact with defenders. While Finney was himself a frequent goal scorer, he was also a creator of goals and it was because of his assists that he was considered "the ideal team man". Finney was voted Footballer of the Year in 1953–54. He won the award again in 1956–57, becoming the first player to win it a second time. Finney respected the rules of football and believed in fair play and sportsmanship. He was never booked or sent off in his career. Both on and off the field, he always had a reputation as a gentleman. Dave Whelan supported this view when he said of Finney: "He was and still is a total gentleman". Retirement from Preston North End Finney retired from competitive football in 1960 because of a persistent groin injury. He had played his entire career for his local club, making