GEORGE Cohen, the right-back for England during their World Cup victory in 1966, has passed away at the age of 83. His old team Fulham broke the news on Friday. There was no mention of a cause of death.
“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 a statement on Fulham’s official website.
“All of our thoughts are with Daphne, his beloved wife of more than 60 years, sons Anthony and Andrew, his grandchildren and extended family, as well as George’s many, many friends.”
Cohen was one of the three surviving players from the storied England team that defeated West Germany 4-2 in the World Cup final at Wembley in 1966. At that competition, he participated in every game.
Teams and organizations alike have paid tribute to Cohen.
Queen Elizabeth II shake hands with Cohen at Wembley before England’s first group game of the 1966 World Cup. Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
George Cohen attends a photocall at Wembley Stadium in May 2016. Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
We are deeply saddened to learn of George Cohen’s passing today, said Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt in a statement posted on the organization’s website.
Geoff Hurst, who recorded a hat-trick during the championship victory in 1966, expressed his sadness over George Cohen’s passing on Twitter.
“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.”
Hurst and Bobby Charlton are the only remaining players from England’s winning team as a result of Cohen’s passing.
Between 1957 and 1969, Cohen played 459 times for the Cottagers over his whole professional career.
After sustaining a knee injury, he was forced to retire at the age of 29. In 2016, the club erected a statue of Cohen.
When England’s men’s squad plays Ukraine on March 26, it has been confirmed that it would pay “full respect” to Cohen.
