CNN
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George Cohen, England’s right-back in their 1966 World Cup triumph, has died aged 83. The news was announced by his former club Fulham on Friday. No cause of death was given.
“All associated with Fulham Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest players – and gentlemen – George Cohen MBE,” a statement on Fulham’s official website said.
“Our hearts go out to Daphne, his beloved wife of over 60 years, his sons Anthony and Andrew, his grandchildren and extended family, and George’s many, many friends.”
Cohen was one of three surviving members of the famous England team that beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the World Cup final at Wembley in 1966. He played every matches of this tournament.
Tributes to Cohen poured in from teammates and organizations.
The Football Association, the sport’s governing body in England, published a remark from chairman Debbie Hewitt, which read: “We are very sad to hear the news of the death of George Cohen today.
“George won 37 caps for England and was vice-captain of our World Cup winning side. We would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to George’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the final victory in 1966, wrote on Twitter saying he was “very sad to hear that my friend and England team-mate George Cohen has passed away.
“Everyone, without exception, has always said that George is a lovely man. He will be sorely missed, my deepest thoughts are with George’s wife Daphne and his family.
Cohen’s death means that Hurst and Bobby Charlton are the only surviving members of the victorious England team.
Cohen spent his entire professional career at Fulham, playing 459 times for the Cottagers between 1957 and 1969.
He was forced to retire at 29 after suffering a knee injury. The club immortalized Cohen in statue form in 2016.
England have announced they will pay a “full tribute” to Cohen when the men’s side face Ukraine on March 26.
