George Cohen MBE: 1939-2022
Condolences sent as 1966 World Cup winner passes away
We’d like to express our sorrow at the sad news of George Cohen’s death.
The former Fulham defender was a member of England’s World Cup winning squad of 1966, when he was a key figure in the Three Lions’ success on home soil.
A right-back by trade, he won 37 caps for England during his international career and was the vice-captain for the Three Lions’ finest moment when they beat West Germany to lift the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley in 1966.
He’d previously put in impressive displays in the knock-out games with Argentina and Portugal, setting up Sir Bobby Charlton’s winner in the semi-final win.
Player number 825 on our England legacy list, George made his debut for the Three Lions in a 2-1 win over Uruguay at Wembley on 6 May 1964.
Born in Kensington, west London, George spent his entire career with Fulham and made almost 500 appearances for the Cottagers between 1956 and 1969 and the club unveiled a statue of him outside Craven Cottage in 2016.
He was also awarded an MBE in 2000, along with four other members of the 1966 World Cup squad.
Speaking about the news, FA Chair Debbie Hewitt said: "We are very sad to hear the news of George Cohen’s death today.
"George won 37 caps for England during his international career and was vice-captain of our World Cup winning team in 1966.
"We would like to pass on our deep condolences to George’s family and friends at this sad time."
A full tribute to George will be paid at Wembley in March when the Three Lions take on Ukraine in a European Qualifier on Sunday 26 March