He initially played in Rovers' reserves where his form was sufficiently good for him to be offered professional terms in March 1948.
Spain took the lead through centre-forward Telmo Zarra in the forty-seventh minute and then dropped back into deep defence.
This was England's second defeat by foreign opponents on home territory after Ireland, and the match changed the face of English football.
[6] Blackburn finally returned to the First Division in 1958, enabling Eckersley to play one complete season in the top flight, although his better days were behind him.
[2] He died in October 1982 aged 57 and his ashes were scattered around the pitch of Ewood Park by his sons prior to a match.