Western Daily Press (Saturday)
1966 legend backs our heroes of 2021
Sir Geoff Hurst’s ready to cheer on Three Lions at Euro final:
WORLD Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst has said it would be ‘nonsense’ to not back the England team in the European Championship final.
He scored a hat-trick against the West German side in the 1966 World Cup.
Now 55 years later, living in Cheltenham, he says he’s ready to support the Three Lions as they face Italy tomorrow.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sir Geoff Hurst said: “The cynics will look at me and say that I don’t want England to do well, win the World Cup or the Euros which is absolute nonsense.
“I understand more than anyone how important it is for our national team to be successful, for themselves and for the country.
“So I am a fan and I want us to do well and to win - that’s what I was brought up to do as a player and what I want us to do as a fan now.
“I am as thrilled and as happy if we are doing well in tournaments as any other fan in England.”
The England team beat Denmark in the semi-final on Wednesday night 2-1 in extra time.
Sir Alf Ramsey’s side went on to win the World Cup final in 1966 and Sir Geoff said the memories will live with him forever.
He said: “The enjoyment, of winning a World Cup in your own country, simply lasts forever.
“Hardly a day goes by, almost daily and just as much today as weeks or months after winning it that the euphoria is still there and the memories of it are brought up by someone.
“It’s astonishing really what happened back then is still affecting my life today.”
Reflecting on the 1966 legendary World Cup, Geoff said that team spirit and togetherness is the key to success.
He said: “Fundamentally I have always believed very strongly that the team spirit, camaraderie and togetherness of a group of players is very important to be successful.”
“I look at the current Italian team and I find their celebrations are tumultuous where the whole squad, as soon as they have a result and success they are altogether - more so than in the celebrations we have seen with the other teams.
“And that is fundamental to being successful - that togetherness.”
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