Whenever England plays in a World Cup, we often see a recap of that day’s events from 60 years ago. Sir Geoff Hurst, the only surviving player from that team, is frequently asked about various aspects of it.
One he was asked how he thought the England team of ’66 would have done if they played against the Lionesses.
“I think we’d have won 1-0” he replied. “Only 1-0?” questioned the reporter.
“Yes,” said Geoff. “There’s only me left now, and I’m 83.”
There are always stories to explore about the Boys of 66. This time, we look at their careers 10 and 20 years later, recalling the fond memories of the amazing World Cup tournament in Mexico, 1986.
The 1966 winning team were all together 19 years on, playing West Germany in a friendly at Elland Road, Leeds. A grand repeat were arranged, to help victims from the Bradford fire. No one in the England team had any doubts of taking part in such a great arrangement. Nearly 20.000 spectators turned up to vitness this very special happening. The West Germany team had seven of their player present from the final in 1966 present.
Match details for England – West Germany; Elland Road, Sunday 28 July 1985, Result: England 6, West Germany 5.
England: 1. Gordon Banks, 2. George Cohen, 3. Ray Wilson, 4. Nobby Stiles, 5. Jack Charlton, 6. Bobby Moore, 7. Alan Ball, 21. Roger Hunt, 9. Bobby Charlton, 10. Geoff Hurst, 16. Martin Peters. Goalscorers: Hurst (3), Ball (2), Peters.
Selected subs: Cyril Knowles, Jimmy Armfield, Alan Mullery, Norman Hunter, Trevor Cherry, Mervyn Day
West Germany: 1. Hans Tilkowski, 2. Friedel Lutz, 3. Max Lorenz, 4. Franz Beckenbauer, 5. Willi Schulz, 6. Klaus Fichtel, 7. Bernd Hölzenbein, 8. Siggi Held, 9. Uwe Seeler, 10. Wolfgang Overath, 11. Lothar Emmerich. Goalscorers: Hölzenbein, Seeler (2), Overath.
The 1966, England’s team, 10 and 20 years later. Reflections on those special players and what their lives where like at the time.
1. Gordon Banks; Goalkeeper, Leicester, (28 years in June, 1966)
In 1976, goalkeeper Banks ended his three-year retirement from professional football. After losing the sight in his right eye in a 1972 car accident, he took on coaching duties with Stoke City. In 1976, he agreed to a one-year stint playing in the United States for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the North American Soccer League (NASL).His time with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers marked a successful final chapter for the World Cup winner, as he played alongside notable stars like George Best and returned to competitive form despite his visual impairment. A year after the reunion game, and 20 years on from 1966, in 1986, Gordon Banks was officially retired from professional football and not involved in any type of managing or as a player, spent his time running businesses, making public appearances, and working as a community coach and club ambassador.
Gordon Banks died on the 12 February 2019 (aged 81).
2. George Cohen; Right-back, Fulham, (26 years in June, 1966)
In 1976, England’s the 1966 World Cup-winning right-back was managing the non-league football club Tonbridge Angels. He was also navigating a career in property development until he was diagnosed with bowel cancer late in the year at the age of 36, which began a 14-year battle with the illness. In 1986, George Cohen was navigating his post-playing life and working as a businessman. Having retired from professional football due to a severe knee injury in 1969, he had transitioned into the business world, keeping busy working in his own property development company, George R Cohen Properties.
George Cohen died on the 23 December 2022 (aged 83).
3. Ray Wilson; Left-back, Everton, (26 years in June, 1966)
By 1976, England’s 1966 World Cup-winning left-back Ray Wilson had entirely stepped away from football. Wilson moved to Oldham Athletic on a free transfer in 1969. In 1970, he moved again to Bradford City. He served as caretaker manager at Bradford from September to November 1971. He took command for ten games, before moving on to concentrate on his business outside of football. In 1986, former England and Everton footballer Ray Wilson was successfully running his own undertaker’s business in his native Huddersfield, having famously left the professional game years prior. Having retired from playing in 1971, Wilson stepped away from the spotlight and set up his funeral firm in West Yorkshire. He worked as an undertaker for more than 25 years before fully retiring in 1997.
In 1976, Nobby Stiles was wrapping up his playing career and serving as a player-coach for Preston North End in the English second tier.Throughout that season, Stiles operated primarily as a reserve team coach while making occasional first-team appearances. In 1986, Nobby Stiles was managing West Bromwich Albion. Having taken over the managerial role in September 1985, his brief five-month stint concluded in February 1986, which marked the end of his professional managerial career.
More information to be added later today.
Embed from Getty ImagesSir Geoff Hurst is hosting an exclusive event on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at The May Fair Hotel to celebrate 60 years since the historic triumph.
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