Remembering England's 1966 World Cup Legends and Their Legacy
WHO:
The Guardian - Geoff Hurst, Bobby Charlton, Jack Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson, Alf Ramsey, and Kenneth Wolstenholme were key figures in England's 1966 World Cup team.
The New York Times - The 22 squad members of the 1966 England World Cup team, including Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore.
WHAT:
The New York Times - The upcoming 2026 World Cup will feature a new limited-edition ‘championship ring’ for the winning squad, made of 18-carat gold, encrusted with 89 pave diamonds and 36 sapphires.
The Sun - FIFA's president Gianni Infantino has proposed creating a new company, Fifa Forward Enterprise, to sell stakes in World Cup operations, which could raise US$10 billion (£7.52 billion).
The Sun - Infantino's proposal includes a £30 million cash boost for member associations, with £15 million available immediately for stadiums and training centers, and an additional £15 million over the following three years.
The Guardian - Garry Richardson presents a special 1966 World Cup anniversary programme on Boom Radio on 30 July.
The New York Times - The first England player to put his World Cup winner’s medal up for sale was George Cohen in the summer of 1998.
The New York Times - The Czech Republic FA’s president, David Trunda, has given his backing to Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in World Cup operations.
The Guardian - England won the World Cup on July 30, 1966, marking it as their only victory in the tournament.
The Guardian - Each squad member received a £1,000 bonus and a Mackintosh raincoat from the English Football Association.
The New York Times - Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick in the final against West Germany.
The New York Times - Ray Wilson sold his World Cup winner’s medal for £80,750 in 2002, which was later resold for £136,000 in 2014.
The New York Times - Nobby Stiles’ medal was sold for £160,000 at auction in 2010 to Manchester United.
The New York Times - Alan Ball’s medal was sold for £164,800 in 2005 and later for £252,000 in 2022.
The New York Times - Gordon Banks’ medal was sold for £124,750 in 2001 but did not meet the reserve price of £220,000 in a recent auction.
WHERE:
The Guardian - The 1966 World Cup final took place at Wembley Stadium in London.
The New York Times - Ray Wilson lived in West Yorkshire, and his medal is now part of the Priory Collection in Nottingham.
The New York Times - Nobby Stiles’ medal is displayed at Manchester United’s museum at Old Trafford.
WHEN:
The Guardian - The 1966 World Cup final occurred on July 30, 1966.
The New York Times - Ray Wilson died in 2018 at the age of 81.
The New York Times - Bobby Charlton died in 2023.
The New York Times - Alan Ball died in 2007 at the age of 61.
WHY:
The Sun - Infantino's plans have received mixed reactions, with some countries welcoming the financial boost while others, including UEFA, have expressed strong opposition, stating it "crosses a line."
The New York Times - John Charlton has spent the past two years corresponding with HM Revenue & Customs, arguing against the inheritance tax on his father's medal, which he calls a "disgrace."
The New York Times - Players sold their medals due to financial difficulties and the desire to spare their families from making decisions about the items after their deaths.
The New York Times - John Charlton described the inheritance tax on his father's medal as a "disgrace."
HOW:
The New York Times - The medals were sold at auction, with some being purchased by clubs for display in museums.
The New York Times - Players like Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters sold their medals to clubs like West Ham United for significant sums.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup will introduce a limited-edition championship ring for the winning team, crafted from 18-carat gold and adorned with 89 pave diamonds and 36 sapphires. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also proposed the creation of a new company, Fifa Forward Enterprise, aimed at selling stakes in World Cup operations, which could potentially raise around $10 billion, along with a £30 million cash boost for member associations. While some countries are embracing this financial support, others, including UEFA, have voiced strong opposition, claiming that the proposal "crosses a line."