George Cohen, a 1966 World Cup-winning England squad member, passed away at the age of 83.
George Best referred to Cohen as “the best full-back I ever played against”, and he spent his whole playing career (459 appearances) with Fulham.
Cohen, the right-back in Alf Ramsey’s 1966 squad, received his 37th and last cap just over a year later. Long after his retirement, he continued to work as a matchday host for Fulham and participated in two FA Cup semifinals.
Ramsey reportedly stopped Cohen from exchanging shirts with an Argentina player following a heated match at the 1966 World Cup, and Cohen later claimed to have the photo in his house.
How did George Cohen die?
George Cohen, a legend of Fulham, passed away at 83, marking the loss of another member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team.
When the home tournament rolled around four years later, Cohen had solidified himself as Sir Alf Ramsey’s first-choice full-back. Cohen, a one-club player at Craven Cottage, made his Three Lions debut in a 2-1 triumph over Uruguay in 1962.
The following year, he played his last international match, becoming the first member of England’s 1966 XI to retire from international competition. He served as vice-captain when England defeated West Germany in the championship match at Wembley.
The Cottagers issued the following statement concerning the passing of George Cohen MBE, one of Fulham Football Club’s all-time greatest players and gentlemen.
“A one-club guy, George made 459 appearances for his beloved Whites in addition to winning 37 caps for England, who he famously won the World Cup with in 1966.”
What was George Cohen’s cause of death?
One of Fulham’s greatest club legends passed suddenly at the age of 83, the club announced on December 23, two days before Christmas. George Cohen was the most recent member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning side to pass away.
After Cohen’s death, the starting XI from the victory 56 years ago still only consists of Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Geoff Hurst. Only Ian Callaghan, Hurst, George Eastham, Charlton, and Hurst are still alive on Ramsey’s team. George Cohen’s cause of death, however, is uncertain.
Who was George Cohen?
Cohen was born on Cassidy Road in Fulham just after the Second World War began. Both Chelsea and Fulham shared custody of his family equally. After graduating from Fulham Central High School, he joined his neighbourhood football team, where he served as head boy. Fulham College Boys’ School is currently the official name.
Due to his strength and speed, Cohen earned his senior debut in a 2-1 loss to Liverpool in March 1957 at 17. Between 1956 and 1969, he played with the Cottagers, scoring six goals. Cohen has played for the squad in 459 games, more than any other player save for five.
Cohen would have played in more games had a severe knee injury not forced him to call it quits at 29 and finish his career.
Football Career:
Cohen was Sir Alf Ramsey’s first choice for England’s right-back position in 1966, and he took part in every game as his team famously advanced to the final on home soil. Throughout his playing career, he was given a total of 37 international caps.
He also played frequently for Fulham from 1956 and 1969. Before being forced to retire, he played for his old squad in 459 games. The 1966 World Cup Final triumph over West Germany is still seen as England’s pinnacle in football history.
For his role in England’s historic win in 1966, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown presented Cohen with a medal. He married Daphne at 23, and they later made Chessington, Surrey, their home.
The general public chose Cohen as the best right back in England before Gary Neville and Phil Neal in a Channel 4 documentary.
He was a crucial part of Ramsey’s 1966 England tactical strategy, and his attacking prowess gave the team a forward threat on the wing. He sent the ball to Charlton, who scored the decisive goal to defeat Portugal and advance England to the final.
Tributes to George Cohen:
NEW: World Cup champion George Cohen passed away at 83. He was awarded 37 England caps. Only Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Geoff Hurst remain active members of the 1966 winning team.
Death to George Cohen. Legend of Fulham and England. Being a part of the fundraising efforts for his richly deserved statue and getting to know him were both honours. His one and the only club will never forget you.
One of the greats has left Fulham. Sadly, 83-year-old World Cup champion and Fulham icon George Cohen has passed away. I’m thinking of his family and friends. The Craven Cottage community will miss him terribly. #FFC
With George Cohen’s demise, we have regretfully lost another piece of that particular period in English football history. Time waits for no one. Future generations must honour those players as much as we have. Genuine gaming giants
Farewell George Cohen is a fantastic football player and the kindest person you could hope to meet. At age 83, he finally gave up the fight against cancer after fighting it without complaining for more than 40 years. Old friend, take it easy. The 1966 team was down to Sir Bobby and Sir Geoff. #RIPGeorgeCohen
George Cohen, a member of the famed England team that won the World Cup in 1966, has sadly gone away. Peacefully rest.
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