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His former club, Fulham, announced that English right-back George Cohen has died at the age of 83.
The footballer played every minute of England’s World Cup-winning campaign in 1966, including the final against West Germany.
He earned 37 caps for England during his playing career, which he spent entirely playing for Fulham.
On their website, the club wrote: “Everyone at Fulham Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our all-time greatest players – and gentlemen – George Cohen.”
Born in Kensington, West London, in 1939, Cohen joined his local club, Fulham, whose home ground, Craven Cottage, was just over a mile from his home.
Initially serving as a member of the grounds team, he signed a professional contract in 1956 and made his debut against Liverpool as a 17-year-old in March 1957.
He made 459 appearances for the club, before retiring at the age of 29 due to a knee injury.
In the run-up to the 1966 World Cup, Cohen was battling with Blackpool’s Jimmy Armfield, at the time England captain, for a starting spot.
Image: George Cohen during his days at Fulham Football Club.
But an injury to Armfield in the run-up to the competition allowed Cohen to cement his place in Sir Alf Ramsey’s side.
Cohen played his preferred role at right wing-back, providing key tackles in an England team that played narrowly through the midfield and up the forwards.
He started at right wing-back in the 1966 final against West Germany at Wembley, and helped the Three Lions win 4-2 in extra time – England’s only World Cup win.
He played a further seven times for England, his last coming in a November 1967 victory over Northern Ireland.
Photo: Georges Cohen (left) looks on as Captain Bobby Moore (right) accepts the Jules Rimet Trophy after England won the 1966 World Cup Final by defeating Germany 4-2 at Wembley Stadium.
An attacking right-back with pace and stamina to get up and down the field, Cohen was hailed as “the best defender I’ve ever played against” by talented Manchester United winger George Best.
He was awarded an MBE in 2000 alongside Roger Hunt, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson and Nobby Stills, after campaigning to honor England’s initially underprivileged stars for their heroics in 1966.
Cohen’s death means that Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Bobby Charlton are now the only ones of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning first eleven still alive.
In 2016, a statue was erected outside Craven Cottage in Fulham honoring Cohen to mark the 50th anniversary of England’s World Cup victory.
He finished his career as Fulham’s fourth best appearance maker, after Johnny Haynes, Eddie Lowe and Les Barrett.
Speaking at the time, Cohen said: “I mean, to think that they made a statue; I find it absolutely remarkable that they thought I deserved it.
Especially since he was next to Johnny Haynes, the greatest name in Fulham’s history.
“To be next to him, it was just unbelievable. It was great to think that not only the club, but the fans wanted to put a statue of me there.”
Photo: The Queen shakes hands with England’s George Cohen
Later in life, Cohen campaigned for research into cancer and dementia.
He was a father of two married to his wife, Daphne, for over 60 years.
Paying tribute to Cohen, Nadia wrote: “He is quite simply a member of the Fulham Royal Family.
“All of our thoughts are with Daphne, his beloved wife of over 60 years, his sons Anthony and Andrew, his grandchildren and extended family, as well as George’s many, many friends.”
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