England‘s 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen has died at the age of 83.
Cohen, who was capped 37 times by his country, played at right-back as Sir Alf Ramsey’s side defeated West Germany 4-2 at Wembley to win the World Cup. It remains the England national team’s only major honour.
He made his Three Lions debut against Uruguay in 1964 and played in all six matches at the 1966 World Cup, including the quarter-final against Argentina, where Ramsey famously prevented Cohen from swapping shirts with an opponent after calling the Argentine players “animals” for their gamesmanship.
The FA have announced that there will be a tribute to Cohen when England face Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley on 26 March.
As well as being a legendary figure in English football, Cohen is also one of Fulham’s greatest-ever players after spending his entire career with the Cottagers.
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His career was ended prematurely at the age of 29 due to a knee injury, just three years after the World Cup win.
In October 2016, Fulham unveiled a statue of Cohen outside Craven Cottage on the 50th anniversary of England’s World Cup triumph. Cohen was also awarded an MBE for his services to football in 2000.
“I find it absolutely wonderful that they even thought I was worthy of (a statue),” he said. “Especially as it was alongside Johnny Haynes, the greatest name in Fulham’s history.
“To be alongside him, it was rather unbelievable. It was great to think that not only the Club, but the supporters had wanted to put a statue of me there.”
His nephew Ben Cohen is also a World Cup winner after playing for England’s rugby union side during their victory against Australia in 2003.
Cohen was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36 in 1976 and had battled the disease on and off ever since. He was a campaigner for research into cancer and dementia, which sadly affected many of his England team-mates.
“Everyone associated with Fulham Football Club is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest ever players – and gentlemen – George Cohen MBE,” said the club, who released a lengthy tribute.
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Sir Geoff Hurst, one of two surviving members of England’s 1966 team along with Sir Bobby Charlton, tweeted: “Very sad to hear my friend and teammate George Cohen has died.
“Everyone, without exception, always said that George was such a lovely man. He will be sadly missed, my heartfelt thoughts are with George’s wife Daphne and his family.”
An FA statement read: “We are very sad to hear the news of George Cohen’s death today. George won 37 caps for England and was vice-captain of our World Cup winning team. We would like to pass on our deep condolences to George’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Gary Lineker tweeted: “Sorry to hear that George Cohen has died. Another of the heroes of the ‘66 World Cup winning team leaves us. He’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP George.”
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