George Eastham, a member of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup, has died aged 88.
The Blackpool-born striker played 19 international matches and, although he was part of manager Sir Alf Ramsey’s team at the World Cup 58 years ago, he did not play when England won it for the only time in their history.
He was also a member of the unused squad at the 1962 World Cup and made his debut for England in an FA Centenary match against Brazil at Wembley in 1963. His final appearance was in a 2–0 friendly victory over Denmark before the 1966 World Cup.
Only the 11 players who started the final against West Germany in 1966 were initially awarded winners’ medals but, after one campaign, Eastham and other members of the team, and Ramsey, were awarded medals in 2009.
The Football Association said it was “saddened” by Eastham’s death and “our condolences go to George’s family and friends.”
Eastham played for Newcastle United and Arsenal before joining Stoke for £35,000 shortly after the 1966 World Cup.
He played 194 times for the Potters and scored the winning goal in the 1972 League Cup final, when they beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley.
Eastham was also involved in a 1963 court case., external which improved the freedom of players to move between clubs in a major overhaul of the British transfer market and was awarded an OBE for his services to football in 1973.
He retired from the game in 1974 and then managed Stoke from March 1977 to January 1978.
stoke said, external They were “immensely saddened by the passing of club legend” Eastham and would wear black armbands for their match at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (12:30 GMT).
They also plan to pay tribute to Eastham at their home match against Leeds United on December 26.
“Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time,” the club added.
