Geoff Hurst pays tribute to George Cohen after former England team-mate’s death at the age of 83

Sir Geoff Hurst has paid tribute to George Cohen following his former England team-mate’s passing at the age of 83.

Hurst, who won the World Cup alongside Cohen in 1966, took to Twitter after hearing the news on Friday.

The 81-year-old posted: ‘Very sad to hear my friend and @England teammate George Cohen has died. Everyone, without exception, always said that George was such a lovely man. He will be sadly missed, my heartfelt thoughts are with George’s wife Daphne and his family.’

Hurst (right) and Cohen (second from right) were part of England’s only World Cup win in 1966

Cohen was vice-captain of the first and only England squad that became world champions, having made his international debut in 1962 and become a mainstay in Alf Ramsey’s side four years later.

The right-back spent the entirety of his club career at Fulham, who broke the news of their former player’s death on Friday.

‘Everyone associated with Fulham Football Club is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest ever players – and gentlemen – George Cohen MBE,’ the Cottagers said in a statement.

‘A one club man, George made 459 appearances for his beloved Whites, in addition to earning 37 England caps, with whom he famously won the World Cup in 1966.’ 

Cohen was England’s vice-captain when they won the World Cup by defeating West Germany

As well as winning the World Cup, the right-back also spent his entire club career at Fulham

Cohen’s passing at the age of 83 was confirmed by his old club Fulham on Friday morning

Tributes quickly poured in for Cohen after Fulham announced his passing, with former England striker Gary Lineker paying his respects on Twitter.

‘Sorry to hear that George Cohen has died,’ Lineker wrote. ‘Another of the heroes of the ‘66 World Cup winning team leaves us. He’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP George.’

FA Chair Debbie Hewitt also said: ‘We are very sad to hear the news of George Cohen’s death today.

‘George won 37 caps for England and was vice-captain of our World Cup winning team. We would like to pass on our deep condolences to George’s family and friends at this sad time.’

Sir Bobby Charlton and Hurst are now the only living members of the England side that famously defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the 1966 final at Wembley. 

Cohen started that final at right-back and was named vice-captain, with Sir Bobby Moore taking the armband as the Three Lions came out on top thanks to a hat-trick from Hurst.