From its very first days, Wembley Stadium has created history. Now the famous old ground will become part of it.

The landmark which has played such an integral role in English sport closes its doors for the last time this evening after the World Cup tie with Germany.

Next month, the bulldozers move in and demolish the decrepit toilets, the seats which are too cramped and uncomfortable and the greyhound track which widens the distance between the fans and the pitch.

The twin towers will also go, and the Royal Box, plus the 39 steps which so many famous names have climbed to receive the most famous club trophy in the world.

But for all its faults, Wembley retains a mystique which is unique in world football.

Built ostensibly to host the Empire Games, Wembley's first major event was the 1923 FA Cup final. It almost turned into disaster.

Records show that 126,947 clicked through the turnstiles, eye-witnesses claimed that 200,000 was a more realistic figure.

As fans streamed on to the pitch, it seemed as though the game would never get started.

But, aboard his horse Billie, PC George Scorey restored order and Bolton won the 'White Horse' final 2-0, with Rodney Jack scoring the historic opening goal.

Images of that day still adorn modern football books as they try to weave their way through to the present era.

Wembley is the thread which sews it all together.

Ferenc Puskas and his mighty Magyar crushing England in 1953, barely months after Stanley Matthews had produced a miraculous one-man show to give Blackpool their only FA Cup success with a 4-3 win over Bolton which remains the highest-scoring final since the Second World War.

Sir Matt Busby's Manchester United becoming the first English club to conquer Europe, Best, Charlton but no Law, unearthing their mentor's holy grail, with a tearful 4-1 triumph over Benfica in 1968.

Kenny Dalglish scoring the winner ten years later as Liverpool defeated Bruges in the same competition.

Paul Gascoigne's brilliance and stupidity, encapsulated within two games as he scored a miraculous goal to defeat Arsenal in the 1991 semi-final, only to respond with a series of tackles which could have seen him sent-off before self-inflicted injury had him carried off in the final against Nottingham Forest.

Roberto di Matteo's 43-second opener against Middlesbrough for Chelsea three years ago.

Yet many of Wembley's most memorable days have had nothing to do with football.

It was host to the Olympic Games in 1948, as Europe tried to rise from the devastation of war, and also to Live Aid, the greatest charity pop concert the world has ever seen.

Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday tribute was there, England rugby union have played there - badly- two years ago as they lost the Five Nations championship to a Welsh side who had made it their temporary home.

Fans have flocked to watch speedway, briefly, gridiron and, of course, the dogs.

Frank Bruno won his world title there, while as rugby league's spiritual home, the greatest stars the 13-a-side code have ever seen starred at Wembley for club and country.

But football remains the most easily identifiable Wembley bed-fellow.

Four years ago, the game in England was re-born during a Euro 96 competition during which Gazza dazzled and destroyed Scotland with his wonder goal.

But it was three decades before when Wembley enjoyed its greatest day.

Sir Geoff Hurst's hat-trick, Nobby Stiles jigging along the pitch, the Jules Rimet Trophy clasped close to Bobby Moore's chest.

Wembley may be a relic, well past its sell-by-date.

But the memories. They will linger forever.

Stiles sets off today on a cruise with other members of the World Cup-winning side of 1966 hoping it is plain sailing for England at Wembley.

The former Manchester United star knows the pressure will be on a present-day Old Trafford favourite David Beckham to deliver the goods. Beckham is expected to play on the right, although there is a school of thought that believes he is better employed in the middle in a similar role to Gascoigne.

Stiles said: ''He is used to playing in the centre and wide as he is a very creative player.

''But I don't think he is like Gazza at all. Gazza has the ability to go past people, that's his strength.

''David is a different type entirely. He has the ability to pass the ball, long and short.

''I've got a lot of time for David and the other Manchester United lads. He gets a lot of undeserved stick."

Stiles had plenty to smile about in his career, especially during those Wembley days and nights.

He made his debut for England schoolboys at the national stadium in 1957 and his first senior appearance there nine years later.

England drew 2-2 with Scotland that day and he went on to become an integral member of Sir Alf Ramsey's side.

There are two images football fans remember after England won the World Cup, Moore holding the Jules Rimet Cup and Stiles' victory jig.

''Young kids look at the film now and ask 'Who is that?''' said Stiles