THE BIG FOUR

The sum of football’s parts, why losing can be good and glory-tinged England memories

Soccermatics David Sumpter (Bloomsbury, £16.99) How much of a football match is won by tactics, and how much by individual brilliance (not to mention defensive ineptitude)? Sumpter’s deconstruction of formations proves why maths and football can’t live without each other. It’s every football nerd’s dream. Best quote “You can dribble like Messi but if your team lacks structure you will never be able to show off your skills.” Losing It Simon Barnes (Bloomsbury, £16.99) • Barnes, The Times’ former chief sports writer, explores how he reconnected with sport by co-founding a football team in his twenties and installing himself as its first-choice keeper. As an intriguing personal journey into how sporting failure can inspire people, it’s thought-provoking stuff for all amateur players.

Best quote “If sport doesn’t hurt, at some level, you’re not doing it right.” Boys of 66 John Rowlinson (Virgin, £20) • Packed with rare photography, this exhaustive behind-the-scenes account of the 1966 World Cup makes for a fascinating read. Beginning with Alf Ramsey’s arrival as manager, the book’s revealing anecdotes bring England’s crowning moment to life. Best quote “One James Bond scene was restarted when Ray Wilson, after one beer too many, fell off his chair.” When Football Came Home Michael Gibbons (Pitch, £12.99) Remember the glorious English football summer of 1996? Beginning three years earlier in San Marino, Gibbons reminisces on the Three Lions’ heady exploits up to and including Euro 96 – a time when anything seemed possible. Best quote “Gazza challenged the TV crew outside his house to a game. Then he hoofed the ball into a nearby lake.”