George Cohen, a former footballer for Fulham and England, has died at the age of 83.
In England’s victory over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley, Cohen served as vice-captain. He made over 450 appearances for the Cottagers over the course of his entire club career.
“Everyone at Fulham Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest ever players – and gentlemen,” the club said.
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.”
In 2016, Fulham unveiled a statue of Cohen outside Craven Cottage to honour his contributions and commemorate the 50th anniversary of their World Cup victory. He received an MBE in 2000 along with four other winners from 1966.
Social media was quickly flooded with condolences. Sir Geoff Hurst, a fellow World Cup winner, tweeted: “Very sad to hear my friend and England team-mate George Cohen has died. Everyone, without exception, always said that George was such a lovely man. He will be sadly missed, my heartfelt thoughts are with George’s wife Daphne and his family.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker added: “Sorry to hear that George Cohen has died. Another of the heroes of the ’66 World Cup winning team leaves us. He’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP George.”