By Betsefy
England World Cup winner George Cohen has died at the age of 83.
The former right-back was a key member of Sir Alf Ramsey‘s World Cup-winning team of 1966, being named vice-captain for the final against West Germany which England won 4-2.
Cohen had earlier established himself as first choice on the right side of defence ahead of Jimmy Armfield and played an important role in the ‘wingless wonders’ tactics of Ramsey.
The ex-Fulham defender became the first of England’s World Cup winners to retire from international duty when he hung up his boots in 1967, just three years and 37 appearances after his debut for the Three Lions.
Cohen spent his entire career at Craven Cottage, making 459 appearances for the club between 1956 and 1969, when he was forced to retire through injury.
Only five players in Fulham’s history have made more appearances, and the West London club hailed him as one of their greatest ever players when announcing the news.
Everyone at Fulham Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest ever players – and gentlemen – George Cohen MBE.
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 23, 2022
Cohen, who is honoured with a statue outside Craven Cottage, was described by Ramsey as England’s greatest-ever right-back, while Manchester United legend George Best regarded him as the best full-back he ever played against.
The defender’s passing means that Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Geoff Hurst are now the only two surviving members of England’s World Cup-winning starting XI.
