LONDON (AP) — Defender George Cohen, who was part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, has died at the age of 83, the British Football Association said on Friday.
Cohen played every minute of England’s victorious home campaign. He made 37 appearances for the England national team as a right-back.
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No cause of death has been announced.
Cohen played his entire career for the Fulham club, making 459 appearances between 1956 and 1969. He retired at the age of 29 after suffering a serious knee injury.
“All at Fulham Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest players, George Cohen,” the Premier League club said in a statement.
Cohen was the second England captain to beat West Germany 4–2 in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley Stadium. England striker Jeff Hurst scored a hat-trick in the clash, sending the game into extra time.
Hirst wrote on Twitter: “Very saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and England team-mate George Cohen. and my deepest condolences to his family.”
Hurst and Bobby Charlton are the only surviving members of the British team to play in the final.
The FA have announced plans to pay tribute to Cohen at Wembley Stadium in March when England play Ukraine.
FA President Debbie Hewitt said: “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of George Cohen today.
Fulham recognized Cohen’s contribution to the club by installing a statue of him at Craven Cottage in 2016.
According to a tribute posted on the team’s website on Friday, Cohen said at the time: “I think it’s really great that they even thought I deserved it.” Because I was with the greatest of all, Johnny Haynes.”
Cohen worked in the hospitality suite of a West London club and was sharing with guests about his incredible career.
