A English Footballer 1872

 

John Cuthbert Otterway (19 July 1850 – 2 April 1878) was an English sportsman who played football, cricket, tennis, rackets, and athletics. He is best known for leading England to victory in the first official international football match in 1872.

Otterway was born in Dover, Kent, the only child of James Cuthbert Otterway, a surgeon and former mayor of Dover, and his wife, Marion. He was educated at Eton College, where he was a King's Scholar, and at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he studied classics.

While at Oxford, Otterway became a prominent sportsman, representing the university in all five of his chosen sports. He was also a member of the Garrick Club, a London-based gentlemen's club.

After graduating from Oxford, Otterway returned to his hometown of Dover, where he worked as a solicitor. He continued to play sport at a high level, and in 1871 he was selected to represent England in the inaugural FA Cup competition.

Otterway was a versatile and skilful footballer, and he was chosen to captain England in the first official international football match against Scotland on 30 November 1872. The match was played at the West of Scotland Cricket Club's ground in Partick, Glasgow, and ended in a 0–0 draw.

Otterway continued to play football for England until 1875, winning a total of three caps. He also played for the Old Etonians, Crystal Palace, and Marlow.

In addition to football, Otterway was also a talented cricketer. He played for Middlesex County Cricket Club from 1870 to 1876, and he also represented Oxford University.

Otterway was a keen tennis player, and he won the Oxford University singles title in 1870 and 1872. He also represented England in a number of unofficial matches against Scotland and Ireland.

Otterway was also a talented rackets player, and he won the Oxford University rackets title in 1871 and 1872. He also represented England in a number of unofficial matches against Scotland and Ireland.

Otterway was a versatile and skilful athlete, and he won a number of competitions in athletics. He was also a member of the Oxford University athletics team.

Otterway was a popular and respected sportsman, and he was known for his sportsmanship and his gentlemanly conduct. He was also a keen sportsman, and he enjoyed hunting, shooting, and fishing.

Otterway died of pneumonia at his home in Paddington, London, on 2 April 1878, aged 27. He was survived by his wife, Marion, and their daughter, Lilian.

Otterway was a highly talented sportsman, and he was a pioneer of international football. He was also a popular and respected figure, and he is fondly remembered by those who knew him.