George Eastham, World Cup winner with England in 1966, dies at the age of 88 Football News

George Eastham, a member of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup, has died at the age of 88.

Eastham did not play in England’s 1966 home win, but the winger was part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s side that lifted the World Cup for the only time in the country’s history.

Blackpool-born Eastham spent most of his career at Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke, and also left a far-reaching legacy as the man who campaigned against so-called “indentured servitude”.

Eastham’s involvement in a 1963 lawsuit that improved players’ freedom to move between clubs led to reform of the British transfer market.

It was at Stoke that East Ham claimed their only trophy with the club, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 League Cup final win over Chelsea in 1972 to give Stoke their first major trophy.

The former Stoke City Football Club said, announcing his death on its official website: “The Stoke City Football Club family is deeply saddened by the death of club legend George Eastham at the age of 88.”

“George signed for the Potters for a fee of £35,000 shortly after being part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

“He went on to represent the club for eight seasons in the English Premier League, and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in the red and white.

“He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal sealed the 1972 League Cup win in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley.

“The Potters will wear black armbands during the match against Sheffield Wednesday (on Saturday) as a sign of respect.

“Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Stoke also plan to pay tribute to East Ham in their home match against Leeds on Boxing Day.

Eastham’s father, George Senior, also played for England, winning one cap. Eastham would play 19 international matches for his country between 1963 and 1966.

After playing for Ards in Northern Ireland, Eastham made 124 and 207 league appearances for Newcastle and Arsenal respectively before moving to the Potteries.

Eastham played 194 league games for Stoke and was awarded an OBE for services to football shortly before his retirement in 1974.

He was appointed as assistant to Tony Waddington before becoming manager of Stoke between March 1977 and January 1978.