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Queen Elizabeth II (right) and George Cohen during the World Cup in England in July 1966
Photo:
BIPPA / AP
English football mourns the loss of a world champion: George Cohen, part of the winning team at the 1966 home World Cup, has died at the age of 83.
This was announced by his former club Fulham FC on Friday.
The long-time defender won the World Cup on home soil with the Three Lions in 1966 and was on the pitch at Wembley Stadium in the 4-2 final victory after extra time against Germany.
Cohen was 83 years old.
"Everyone at Fulham Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest players of all time," the club said.
Between 1956 and 1969 Cohen played 459 competitive games for Fulham.
He never played for any club other than the Cottagers from London.
»Another hero of the World Cup of 66 leaves us«
After Cohen's death, Bobby Charlton (aged 85) and Geoff Hurst (81) are the last surviving players of the winning team from 1966.
Former international Gary Lineker tweeted: "Another hero of the 66 World Cup team is leaving us. He will live forever as a footballer.
RIP George.”
The FA announced a memorial service for Cohen was planned at Wembley in March when England play Ukraine.
Cohen was on the field 37 times for England's national team, including all six World Cup games in 1966. Even before Cohen's death, a statue at the Craven Cottage stadium commemorated the former footballer, who was born in London.
Cohen is survived by his wife Daphne and sons Anthony and Andrew.
A cause of death was not announced.
ngo/dpa/sid
