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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Eastham dead at 88</li><li>Had made 19 appearances for the Three Lions</li><li>Was part of the squad that won the 1966 World Cup</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

England mourn 1966 World Cup-winning former Arsenal & Newcastle forward George Eastham after death aged 88

<p>Born in Blackpool, Eastham was a part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s legendary squad that secured England’s only World Cup victory in 1966. Although he did not feature in any matches during the tournament, his inclusion in the squad remains a significant achievement. His international career spanned 19 caps, beginning with his debut in an FA Centenary match against Brazil at Wembley in 1963. His final game for England came in a 2-0 friendly victory over Denmark shortly before the 1966 World Cup.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Initially, only the 11 players who started in the final against West Germany were awarded winners' medals. However, a successful campaign years later ensured that Eastham, other squad members, and manager Ramsey were recognised and received medals in 2009.</p><p>At club level, Eastham had an illustrious career with notable stints at Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Stoke City. He joined Stoke shortly after the 1966 World Cup for a fee of £35,000 and went on to play 194 matches for the club. A defining moment came in 1972 when Eastham scored the winning goal in Stoke’s 2-1 League Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley, sealing the club’s first major trophy.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The Football Association has mourned Eastham’s passing, describing him as a cherished member of England’s football history. In a statement, the FA said: "We're saddened to hear of the passing of George Eastham OBE at the age of 88. George won 19 caps in his Three Lions career and was a member of our 1966 World Cup -winning squad. Our condolences go to George's family and friends."</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're saddened to hear of the passing of George Eastham OBE at the age of 88.  <br><br>George won 19 caps in his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> career and was a member of our 1966 <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAWorldCup</a>-winning squad.<br><br>Our condolences go to George's family and friends. <a href="https://t.co/aNfgSlfu9r">pic.twitter.com/aNfgSlfu9r</a></p>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1870384548610986153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Stoke City, where Eastham enjoyed immense success, also paid homage to their club legend. In their tribute, they stated:<br>“We are immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham. Our thoughts are with George's family and friends at this difficult time.”</p><p>The club announced plans to wear black armbands during their upcoming game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. Additionally, they will hold a tribute at their home match against Leeds United on December 26.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The most revered goal in our history, scored on our greatest day.<br><br>Rest in peace, George Eastham OBE. <a href="https://t.co/Ds7TWUApUN">pic.twitter.com/Ds7TWUApUN</a></p>— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) <a href="https://twitter.com/stokecity/status/1870388905742111102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT THE FA SAID

<p>Eastham was pivotal in a 1963 legal case that reformed the British transfer market, improving players’ freedom to move between clubs. For his services to football, he was awarded an OBE in 1973. After retiring in 1974, he transitioned into management, taking charge of Stoke City from March 1977 to January 1978.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Eastham subsequently ventured into the sportswear business and managed the South African Arsenal Supporters’ Club for several years. His post-football endeavours reflected his lifelong passion for the game and his commitment to its growth globally.</p>

A LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

England mourn 1966 World Cup-winning former Arsenal & Newcastle forward George Eastham after death aged 88 | Goal.com

George Eastham, a celebrated figure in English football and a member of England’s historic 1966 World Cup-winning squad, has died at the age of 88.