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English football is in mourning after the death of Gordon Banks, its greatest goalkeeper and foundation of the 1966 World Cup triumph. Banks is the fourth member of the only Three Lions team ever to win the World Cup to pass away – as too has manager Alf Ramsey. Here is what has happened to all the players since their playing days ended, and 53 years since beating West Germany on that unforgettable day at Wembley.
Gordon Banks, the legendary goalkeeper during England’s World Cup win, has died
Gordon Banks
(Goalkeeper)
Finest English keeper of all time, who played mostly for the now unfashionable Leicester and Stoke. Pulled off the ‘save of the century’ from Pele’s header at the 1970 World Cup. Died on February 12 aged 81 after battle with kidney cancer.
Banks makes his ‘save of the century’ from Pele’s header in the 1970 World Cup
George Cohen
(Right back)
Hailed as ‘the greatest full back I ever played against’ by George Best, 79-year-old Cohen is still connected with Fulham, the only club he ever played for. Nephew Ben won Rugby World Cup in 2003.
George Cohen, here in action for Fulham (left), was England’s right back in 1966
Cohen is still involved with Fulham, more than 50 years after that famous day at Wembley
Jack Charlton
(Centre half)
Towering defender, who played only for Leeds, also managed several clubs as well as taking Republic of Ireland to 1994 World Cup. Now 83, he is retired and has appeared frail in recent public appearances.
The great Jack Charlton, celebrating in 1966 (left) and posing with Paul McGrath recently
Bobby Moore
(Centre half)
Peerless defender and captain tragically died aged just 51 in 1993 due to bowel cancer. He was the first of the 1966 team to pass away. The Bobby Moore Fund, formed by his wife Stephanie, has raised millions of pounds for research into the disease.
Bobby Moore holds the Jules Rimet Trophy aloft in English football’s most iconic image
Moore tragically died aged just 51 due to cancer; he was the first of the team to pass away
Ray Wilson
(Left back)
Huddersfield’s most-capped England international became an undertaker after hanging up his boots. Oldest member of the 1966 team, he died last May aged 83 after suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for 14 years.
Ray Wilson wears the World Cup on his head as he parades around Wembley in 1966
Wilson, a left back, pictured at home in Huddersfield by Sportsmail before his death last May
Nobby Stiles
(Defensive midfield)
His toothless dance after victory at Wembley has become iconic in English football. Manchester United hero also helped bring through the likes of David Beckham while a youth coach at the club in the 1990s. Aged 76, he too has developed Alzheimer’s disease.
Nobby Stiles’ toothless dance at Wembley after winning the World Cup is an iconic moment
How England lined up at Wembley in the final
Alan Ball
(Right midfield)
The young pup of the team but also the second to die, after Moore, aged just 61 following a heart attack in 2007.
Played for 13 clubs and managed eight, most notably Portsmouth and Manchester City, where his flat cap became an endearing trademark sight on the sidelines.
Bobby Charlton
(Attacking midfield)
Survived the Munich Air Disaster before helping Manchester United to win first the World Cup and then United’s first European Cup in 1968.
Now 81, Sir Bobby is still a director at Old Trafford, where a stand is named in his honour. Also has a charity aiding land mine clearance.
Sir Bobby Charlton survived the Munich Air Disaster and went on to win the 1966 World Cup
Now 81, Charlton is still a director at Old Trafford, where there is a stand is named in his honour
Martin Peters
(Left midfield)
Scorer of the second goal in the final, Peters had a brief time in charge of Sheffield United after playing for West Ham, Tottenham and Norwich. Started a second career in insurance in 1984. Now aged 75 and retired, he is the third player in the team who suffers with Alzheimer’s.
Geoff Hurst
(Centre forward)
Still the only player to hit a hat-trick in the World Cup final, Sir Geoff took charge of Chelsea from 1979-81 and also worked in Kuwait, as well as selling insurance for a time. Now 77, former West Ham striker is retired and lives in Cheltenham with his wife, Judith.
Sir Geoff Hurst still remains the only player to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final
Speaking to Sportsmail last June, Hurst is retired and lives in Cheltenham with his wife, Judith
Roger Hunt
(Centre forward)
One of Liverpool’s greatest ever players, Hunt joined his family’s haulage company after retiring from playing in 1972. After being overlooked for years, he was made MBE along with Ball, Cohen, Stiles and Wilson in 2000 after a campaign to recognise their achievements in 1966. Now lives in Warrington, aged 80.
Roger Hunt was one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players and was a key figure for his country
Alf Ramsey
(Manager)
National hero and mastermind behind the team of ‘wingless wonders’, he lost his job after failing to qualify for 1974 World Cup. Retired in 1980 to a quiet life in Ipswich, before his death from a heart attack in 1999, aged 79.
Sir Alf Ramsey is the national treasure who masterminded the team who won the 1966 trophy
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