England's 1966 World Cup Squad: Where Are They Now?

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

The 1966 FIFA World Cup holds a special place in the hearts of English football fans. It was the year England, led by their manager Alf Ramsey, achieved eternal glory on home soil, defeating West Germany in a thrilling final at Wembley Stadium. The names of the players in that squad are etched in footballing legend, but what became of those heroes after their triumph? Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore what happened to the members of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

The Goalkeepers

  • Gordon Banks: Arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time, Gordon Banks was England's undisputed number one in 1966. His remarkable save from Pelé in the 1970 World Cup is still talked about today. After a stellar career with Leicester City and Stoke City, a car accident in 1972 tragically cost him his sight in one eye, prematurely ending his professional career. Despite this setback, Banks remained involved in football, coaching and making appearances as a pundit. He passed away in February 2019, leaving behind a legacy as one of the finest goalkeepers to ever grace the game. His contribution to the 1966 victory was immense, providing a sense of security and confidence to the entire team. Banks's agility, shot-stopping ability, and command of his area were crucial to England's success. Beyond his on-field achievements, Banks was known for his humility and sportsmanship, making him a beloved figure both in England and around the world. His absence from the game is still felt by many, but his legend lives on through the countless stories and memories of his incredible saves and achievements.

  • Peter Bonetti: Known as "The Cat" for his agility and reflexes, Peter Bonetti served as Gordon Banks' understudy in the 1966 World Cup squad. While he didn't feature in the tournament, Bonetti had a successful career with Chelsea, making over 700 appearances for the club. He was a key member of the Chelsea team that won the FA Cup in 1970 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1971. Bonetti also earned seven caps for England, although he never quite managed to displace Banks as the first-choice goalkeeper. After retiring from professional football, Bonetti worked as a coach, including a spell with the England national team. He was a respected figure in the game and was known for his dedication and professionalism. Bonetti's contribution to Chelsea was immense, and he is considered a club legend. His nickname, "The Cat," was a testament to his incredible reflexes and ability to make seemingly impossible saves. Bonetti's presence in the 1966 squad provided valuable competition and support for Gordon Banks, and he remained a loyal servant to both club and country throughout his career.

The Defenders

  • George Cohen: A reliable and consistent right-back, George Cohen played every minute of England's 1966 World Cup campaign. He spent his entire professional career with Fulham, making over 450 appearances for the club. Cohen was known for his tenacious tackling, unwavering commitment, and ability to read the game. After retiring from football, Cohen battled bowel cancer but recovered and dedicated his life to charity work. He remained a popular figure and was often seen at Fulham matches. Cohen's contribution to England's victory was immense, providing a solid defensive foundation on the right flank. His determination and work ethic were an inspiration to his teammates, and he was a key member of the squad both on and off the field. Cohen's loyalty to Fulham was also admirable, spending his entire career with the club and becoming a true club legend. He was a true gentleman of the game and a worthy member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.

  • Ray Wilson: England's left-back in 1966, Ray Wilson was a tough and uncompromising defender. He played for Huddersfield Town and Everton, winning the FA Cup with the latter in 1966, just before the World Cup. Wilson was known for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and consistent performances. After retiring from football, he went on to run an undertakers business. Wilson sadly passed away in May 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's finest left-backs. His contribution to the 1966 victory was crucial, providing a solid defensive presence on the left flank. Wilson's strength and determination were invaluable to the team, and he was a key member of the squad both on and off the field. His FA Cup win with Everton just before the World Cup was a testament to his ability and commitment, and he was a worthy member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.

  • Jack Charlton: A towering centre-back, Jack Charlton was a formidable presence in the England defense. He spent his entire professional career with Leeds United, making over 600 appearances for the club. Charlton was known for his aerial prowess, tough tackling, and unwavering commitment. After retiring from football, he went on to manage several clubs, including Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, and the Republic of Ireland. Charlton led Ireland to two World Cups and one European Championship, becoming a national hero in the process. He passed away in July 2020, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's greatest defenders and managers. His contribution to the 1966 victory was immense, providing a solid defensive foundation in the heart of the defense. Charlton's strength, determination, and leadership were invaluable to the team, and he was a key member of the squad both on and off the field. His success as a manager, particularly with the Republic of Ireland, was a testament to his ability and commitment, and he was a true legend of the game.

  • Bobby Moore: Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, Bobby Moore captained England to victory in 1966. He was a composed and elegant player, known for his impeccable timing, reading of the game, and leadership qualities. Moore spent most of his career with West Ham United, making over 500 appearances for the club. After retiring from football, he worked as a coach and pundit. Moore sadly passed away in 1993 at the young age of 51, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's greatest ever players. His contribution to the 1966 victory was immeasurable, leading the team with grace and authority. Moore's calmness under pressure, ability to read the game, and leadership qualities were essential to England's success. He was a true icon of the game and a worthy captain of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.

The Midfielders

  • Nobby Stiles: A tough-tackling and combative midfielder, Nobby Stiles was the engine room of the England team. He played for Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Preston North End. Stiles was known for his tireless work rate, determination, and ability to break up opposition attacks. After retiring from football, he worked as a coach and youth team manager. Stiles passed away in October 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a true unsung hero of the 1966 World Cup-winning team. His contribution to the 1966 victory was crucial, providing the team with energy and steel in midfield. Stiles's tireless work rate, determination, and ability to break up opposition attacks were essential to England's success. He was a true warrior on the field and a worthy member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.

  • Alan Ball: The youngest member of the squad, Alan Ball was a dynamic and energetic midfielder. He played for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal, and Southampton. Ball was known for his pace, skill, and eye for goal. After retiring from football, he worked as a manager and pundit. Ball sadly passed away in April 2007, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's most exciting midfielders. His contribution to the 1966 victory was significant, providing the team with energy and creativity in midfield. Ball's pace, skill, and eye for goal were valuable assets to England's attack. He was a popular figure in the game and a worthy member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.

The Forwards

  • Geoff Hurst: The only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, Geoff Hurst etched his name into footballing history in 1966. He played for West Ham United, Stoke City, and West Bromwich Albion. Hurst was a clinical finisher with excellent movement and poise in front of goal. After retiring from football, he went into business. Hurst's contribution to the 1966 victory was immense, scoring three goals in the final against West Germany. His clinical finishing, excellent movement, and poise in front of goal were essential to England's success. He is a true legend of the game and a national hero in England.

  • Roger Hunt: A prolific goalscorer, Roger Hunt was Liverpool's all-time leading scorer for many years. He played for Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers. Hunt was known for his pace, skill, and clinical finishing. After retiring from football, he went into business. Hunt's contribution to the 1966 victory was significant, scoring three goals in the group stage. His pace, skill, and clinical finishing were valuable assets to England's attack. He was a legend at Liverpool and a worthy member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.

  • Martin Peters: A versatile and intelligent player, Martin Peters was known for his ability to play in a variety of positions. He played for West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City and Sheffield United. Peters was known for his passing ability, movement off the ball, and eye for goal. After retiring from football, he went into business and was a regular pundit on TV and radio. Peters sadly passed away in December 2019, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's most underrated players. His contribution to the 1966 victory was crucial, scoring England's second goal in the final. His passing ability, movement off the ball, and eye for goal were essential to England's success. He was a true professional and a worthy member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.

  • Bobby Charlton: Sir Bobby Charlton, is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. An attacking midfielder renowned for his powerful shot and goal-scoring ability. He played for Manchester United and Preston North End. Bobby was a key member of the Busby Babes and survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958. After retiring, he became a manager and served on the board of directors at Manchester United. Bobby’s contribution to the 1966 victory was massive. His powerful shots from midfield were instrumental in England’s campaign. He is a true legend of the sport and a national hero.

The 1966 World Cup squad was a team of exceptional talent, dedication, and team spirit. Their victory on home soil remains one of the greatest achievements in English football history. While many of the players have sadly passed away, their legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of footballers and fans alike. The names of Banks, Moore, Charlton, Hurst, and the rest of the squad will forever be synonymous with glory, pride, and the unforgettable summer of 1966.