England 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen dies aged 83

George Cohen, part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning team, has died at the age of 83, his former club Fulham have confirmed.

The right-back started in England’s 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley in the final of the 1966 World Cup, acting as the vice-captain to skipper Bobby Moore.

“Everyone at Fulham Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest ever players – and gentlemen – George Cohen MBE,” the club said.

He later opted to sell his World Cup winner’s medal, although Fulham purchased the item to display at Craven Cottage.

The aforementioned statue also coincided with Hammersmith & Fulham Council announcing that it made Cohen a freeman of the borough.

Cohen isn’t the only member of his family to have won a World Cup, though. His nephew, Ben Cohen, helped England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

He was awarded the MBE in 2000, along with four teammates from 1966 – Alan Ball, Nobby Stiles, Roger Hunt and Ray Wilson. The quintet had never been officially recognised for their success, leading to a media campaign.

He has been inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame, though, earning his spot in 2009 among the likes of Ossie Ardiles, Teddy Sheringham and Trevor Brooking.