Sir Geoff Hurst urges England squad to win World Cup for the 1966 generation

Sir Geoff Hurst, the sole surviving member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, has delivered an emotional appeal to Thomas Tuchel’s squad, urging them to end six decades of hurt and win the tournament for the players who are no longer alive to see it.

Speaking at the same London hotel where England held their victory banquet after the 1966 Wembley final, Hurst was visibly moved as he reflected on being the last man standing from that squad. “It’s so sad I’m the last survivor from 1966,” he said. “But we can win it and I hope we do.”

The hat-trick hero was unequivocal about where his loyalties lie, pushing back on any suggestion he might prefer England’s record to remain intact. “People say to me: ‘you don’t want them to win it?’ No one would be happier than me if we were successful and won it — and all the lads would have said the same.” He added with a wry smile: “I’ve had a good run.”

Hurst drew a direct parallel between Tuchel’s approach and that of 1966 manager Sir Alf Ramsey, noting that both coaches have prioritised collective spirit over individual brilliance. “It’s very much been evident that Tuchel and Ramsey have gone down the same route,” he said. “We had a team spirit — a great camaraderie — vitally important. Tuchel has touched on that.”

His message to Tuchel, Harry Kane and the rest of the squad was direct: “You’re playing in the biggest sporting tournament in the world. The whole country is behind you. It’s an opportunity today for you to do what we did all those years ago. Get your mindset right: work hard and you can do it. Anything less than a semi-final would be a bitter disappointment.”

Hurst spoke at a World Cup memorabilia auction where items on display included former team-mate Alan Ball’s shirt from the 1966 final and Gordon Banks’ jersey from his celebrated save against Pelé at the 1970 World Cup. At one point he produced his phone to show a black-and-white photograph of himself, his wife, and fellow 1966 star Martin Peters taken on the evening of the final.

Reflecting on the enduring impact of that victory, Hurst recalled a chance encounter in a supermarket. “A guy came up to me and said: ‘Can I shake your hand — you gave me the best day of my life.’ I said: ‘Of course, it was mine too.’” He added: “It’s 60 years on since we last won — it’s crazy that as a major footballing nation we haven’t won it.”

On the debate surrounding Tuchel’s squad selection, Hurst was measured. “There’s been criticism of the selection and the players he’s not picked, but it’s down to the manager and the players he picked.”

Hurst also noted the quirk of history that made England’s red shirts iconic. “We lost the toss to wear white, so red became part of our history forever.”