England 1966 World Cup squad member George Eastham dies at 88
George Eastham, member of England’s 1966 World Cup winning team, has died aged 88.
The forward has 19 international caps and although he was part of manager Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup squad 58 years ago, he did not feature in England’s only ever World Cup win.
The Football Association said it was “saddened” by Eastham’s death and “our condolences go out to George’s family and friends.”
Eastham played for Newcastle United and Arsenal before joining Stoke City for £35,000 shortly after the 1966 World Cup.
He made 194 appearances for the Potters and scored the winning goal in the 1972 League Cup final as the Potters beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley.
Eastham was also involved in a 1963 court case, external He was awarded an OBE in 1973 for his services to football amid major reforms to the English transfer market, which increased the freedom of movement of players between clubs.
He retired in 1974 and served as Stoke City manager from March 1977 to January 1978.
stoke says, external They are deeply saddened by the passing of club legend Eastham and will wear black armbands against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (12:30 GMT).
They also plan to pay tribute to Eastham during their home game against Leeds United on December 26.
The club added: “Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
