With the 2026 World Cup about to kick off this coming Thursday, it got us thinking about international tournaments of yesteryear.
Our thoughts were immediately drawn to the 1996 European Championships – which still represent the last major tournament held in England.
Ahead of which, Macclesfield Town and the Moss Rose in particular took centre stage.
For it was at our humble home that the illustrious German national team set up camp.
In addition to this, the team stayed at Mottram Hall and were looked after by our current Head of Business Operations, Amanda Penney.
Jurgen Klinsmann addresses the media at the Moss Rose back in 1996.
Drawn in Group C alongside Italy, Russia, and the Czech Republic, Berti Vogts’ side came into the competition as one of the favourites to lift the coveted trophy.
And after heartbreakingly beating England on penalties in the semi-final, lift it they did – courtesy of a 2 -1 victory over the Czech Republic in the final.
There can be no doubt that the German team of 1996 was one that has gone down in history, boasting the likes of Stefan Reuter, Andreas Moller, Stefan Kuntz, Christian Ziege and Jurgen Klinsmann.
As we reflect on that magical summer thirty years ago, we are delighted to bring you the following images from deep within our archives.
(*With grateful thanks to Geoffrey Knights and www.silkmenarchives.org.uk)
