Only 23,789 people turned up at Wembley for the first of two internationals in an invitation tournament competing for the England Challenge Cup. It was a triangular competition with Argentina the third party. What a pity that so few people were present because the Soviets are attractive opposition, full of strength and skill. England did extremely well in this game, though, and they benefited from a fine display from David Platt, who was now really beginning to establish his growing reputation.

The Soviets were pegged back early on by some swift England attacks. It was obvious from the start that the visitors, and especially goalkeeper Uvarov, were vulnerable under pressure in particular from high balls into the box. Ironically though it was USSR who scored the opening goal. Eleven minutes had gone when Tony Dorigo allowed Kolyvanov to cross from the right. MikhaIlićhenko chested the ball to Tatarchuck, who instantly shot at goal. Chris Woods looked to have it covered but unfortunately, Mark Wright, who was skipper for the first time, stuck out a foot to deflect it wide of his goalkeeper. This time the official verdict was 'own-goal' which made one wonder if Staunton should have been 'credited' with England's goal against Republic of Ireland in March.

Whatever,  with Platt and Geoff Thomas looking lively in midfield England did not let the goal upset them. It took only six minutes for the home side to find the equalizer and inevitably it came from a high ball into the penalty area. Paul Parker's free-kick was only flapped at by Uvarov and the ball went straight to Thomas. His instant shot looked harmless enough until that is, Alan Smith turned it into the net with a clever touch. The goal emphasised the good season he had just enjoyed with League Champions, Arsenal.

John Barnes showed some nice touches as England continued to hold all the aces and it came as no surprise when they took the lead in the 44th minute. A brilliant burst through the middle by Platt only ended when Tsveiba brought him down for an obvious penalty. In the absence of Gary Lineker, Platt himself scored from the spot-kick and his first-half display had been very reminiscent of Bryan Robson at his best.

A fine save from Mostovoi's firm header by the largely unemployed Woods, early in the second half, prevented an equalizer by USSR and then Parker was a little fortunate when his foul on the edge of the box against Kolyvanov gave away a free-kick. The ball was only just deflected over when the kick was taken. at this point the Soviets were showing signs of getting on top and Graham Taylor brought on two substitutes, new cap David Batty and the experienced Peter Beardsley. The alterations worked a treat and England were soon asserting themselves again. Smith missed a great chance when a fine run by Barnes created an opening, but with two minutes to go the result was sealed with another fine goal by Platt.

A lovely move involving several players ended with Batty finding Platt just outside the area. He side-stepped a Soviet challenge and drove a hard, low shot into the corner. That rounded off a good day for England perfectly.
    

The USSR won at Wembley for the first time in 1984 and had convincingly beaten England 3-1 in Frankfurt on their way to a record fourth European Championship final in 1988. England were aiming to beat them for the first time since a 1-0 win in Tbilisi in 1986.
The visitors took a fortunate lead when Tatarchuk's shot hit Mark Wright, on his first appearance as captain, to give Woods no chance. It was the first goal the England goalkeeper had conceded at Wembley in nine appearances for club and country.
England equalised soon after when Uvarov punched out Parker's free kick under pressure from Mark Wright. Thomas knocked the ball back for Alan Smith to turn it between two defenders on the line. Two minutes before half-time England scored again when Tseviba was adjudged to have tripped David Platt although there appeared to be no contact. Platt took the kick and sent the 'keeper the wrong way.
The final goal came in the last minute after some neat passing by England. Substitute Beardsley's final pass was almost collected by Chernishkov but he could not control it and Platt fired his second into the corner.
This was the first match of a three-team tournament called the England Challenge Cup. Two nights later, the USSR drew 1-1 with Argentina at Old Trafford.
 

Only 23,789 fans bothered to turn up to see England play Russia in the contrived 'England Challenge Cup', a three-way tournament that also included Argentina. David Platt got England off to a flying start with a fourth-minute goal from the penalty spot, and Alan Smith made it 2-0 twelve minutes later. An own goal by Mark Wright gave the Russians brief hope of getting back into the game before Platt finished  them off with an eighty-ninth minute strike. David 'Bites Yer Legs' Batty started his international career as a seventieth minute substitute.
   

Source Notes