England’s 1966 World Cup-winning defender George Cohen has died, the English Football Association said on Friday. He was 83. Cohen played every minute of England’s victory on home soil. He played 37 matches for his national team as a right-back.
The cause of death was not announced. Cohen played his entire club career for Fulham. There he also gave 459 performances between 1956 and 1969. He stopped playing at the age of 29 after a serious knee injury.
“Everyone at Fulham Football Club – one of our greatest players – and gentlemen – is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Cohen,” the Premier League club said in a statement. Cohen was England’s vice-captain in the 1966 World Cup final when they beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley Stadium.
England striker Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick in that match which went to extra time. “So sad to hear that my friend and England teammate George Cohen has passed away,” Hurst tweeted. “Everyone, without exception, always said George was the most beautiful man.
He will be sadly missed. My heartfelt thoughts are with George’s wife Daphne and his family.” Hurst and Bobby Charlton were the only survivors of the England team that reached the final. The FA said it plans to pay tribute to Cohen at Wembley.
England plays Ukraine in March.”We are very saddened to hear of George Cohen’s death today,” said FA Chair Debbie Hewitt. Fulham recognized Cohen’s contribution to the club by unveiling a statue of him at Craven Cottage in 2016.
“It’s amazing to me that they even think I deserve it,” said a tribute posted on the club’s website on Friday, “, especially with Jonny Haynes, one of the greatest names in Fulham history.” Cohen worked in the West London club’s hospitality suites, regaling guests with stories of his amazing career. did
