George Cohen Wiki – George Cohen Biography
The right-back played every minute in all six games at the 1966 tournament and was vice-captain in a 4-2 win over West Germany in the Wembley final. Cohen, who spent his entire club career with Fulham, made 37 appearances for England.
“It’s very sad to hear that my friend and team-mate from England has died,” said Sir Geoff Hurst, who is one of two surviving members of the XI who started the final, along with Sir Bobby Charlton. “Everyone without exception always said George was a lovely man. He will be sorely missed, my heartfelt thoughts are with George’s wife Daphne and her family,” Hurst added on Twitter.
George Cohen Age
George Cohen was 83 years old.
George Cohen Cause of Death
Fulham, who announced Cohen’s death, said: “All of us at Fulham Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest players, and gentlemen. “All our thoughts are with Daphne, his loving wife of over 60 years, his sons Anthony and Andrew, their grandchildren and extended family, as well as George’s many, many friends.”
Cohen appeared in every game of England’s successful World Cup campaign. He was awarded the MBE in 2000, one of five players from the 1966 team to receive late recognition, following a media campaign to recognize his achievement along with that of his teammates.
In a 13-year playing career at Fulham, from 1956 to 1969, Cohen made 459 appearances for the club. In October 2016, a statue of Cohen was unveiled at Craven Cottage to commemorate the former player of his and mark the 50th anniversary of the World Cup victory. Fulham have also named a section of their hospitality facilities after him.
His World Cup medal is on display in the stadium, and was purchased by the club for £80,000 in 1998. Alf Ramsey, who managed England’s 1966 squad, called Cohen the country’s “best right-back”, while legendary Manchester United winger George Best described him as “the best full-back I’ve ever played against”.
After his playing career, which he ended before his 30th birthday with a knee injury, he coached Fulham’s youth team and spent time managing non-league Tonbridge. Cohen was released from Hammersmith and Fulham in 2016 for his footballing achievements and his campaign for further research into cancer and dementia.
He voiced his demands for a public inquiry into dementia in soccer after a study revealed former players were three times more likely to suffer from the disease than the general population. His nephew Ben Cohen won the Rugby World Cup with England in 2003.
There will be a minute of applause before all Premier League matches between December 26 and 28, with players and referees wearing black armbands as a mark of respect. Tributes have flooded across social media and beyond. Cohen’s former Fulham team-mate Alan Mullery told BBC 5 Live:
“I’ve just been kicked in the teeth – it hasn’t been well for some time. George had a wonderful life, he has a wonderful family and He was a great player to play with.” Former England player Gary Lineker wrote: “Sorry to hear George Cohen has died. Another of the heroes of the ’66 World Cup winning team is leaving us. He will always have footballing immortality. RIP George.”
Ian Callaghan, George Eastham and Terry Paine are the other three surviving players from England’s 22-man squad selected for the 1966 World Cup final. Fulham manager Marco Silva said: “This is a great loss for Fulham, for English football. As manager, I want to send our condolences to his family.”
“He is one of the greatest examples in the history of the club, the numbers he reached speak for themselves. I know what he stands for, he is very important for the club and it is a sad day for us.” World Cup-winning England captain Bobby Moore’s widow, Stephanie Moore, said: “George was a close friend of Bobby’s and he himself had bowel cancer in the mid-1970s, but he made a full recovery. .
“George was a loyal supporter of the Bobby Moore Fund and will be sadly missed by all. We send our deepest condolences to Daphne and the entire family.” Football Association president Debbie Hewitt said: “We are very saddened to hear the news of George Cohen’s death today.
“We would like to convey our deepest condolences to George’s family and friends at this sad time.” Everton manager Frank Lampard said: “I was always attracted to that group of players [the 1966 World Cup squad] and it’s always more than a shame when we lose one of those players.”
Read Also: Who is Kason Thomas? Wiki, Biography, Age, Family, Missing, Found Safe, Investigation