World Cup 1966 hero Sir Geoff Hurst, 82, will cheer on England from home as they face Spain in Euro 2024 final
SIR GEOFF HURST will miss tomorrow’s European Championship final with the England’s 1966 hero choosing to watch the match at home.
The Three Lions legend was at Wembley three years ago working for the BBC as pundit when Gareth Southgate‘s side lost the European Championship final on penalties to Italy.
But the legend has politely declined an invitation from the FA to travel to Berlin tomorrow.
Hurst is the only surviving member of the Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winning starting XI from 1966.
With the sad news of Sir Bobby Charlton, Roger Hunt and George Cohen having all sadly passing away since the 2021 final, there will be no link with the Boys of 66 in Berlin.
The FA are understood to have made contact with Hurst asking him to be their guest of honour at the Olympic Stadium after England‘s dramatic semi-final win over Holland on Wednesday.
Hurst has been doing promotional work for Budweiser and the National Lottery throughout the tournament and has a busy day of work commitments before kick-off tomorrow.
The 82-year-old has called for new PM Sir Keir Starmer to give the country and extra Bank Holiday if England beat Spain to win their first trophy since he lifted the World Cup in 1966.
“With England so close to achieving greatness on Sunday, I couldn’t be prouder of the team, and I know the nation feels the same,” Hurst said.
“As the last surviving member of the ’66 starting eleven, I can’t tell you how incredible it would be to see England win again.
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“But this moment isn’t just about the team. It’s about England fans across the nation.”
Starmer has accepted an invitation to attend his first game of the tournament having watched as a fan at Wembley three years ago.
The new Prime Minister will be accompanied by Labour’s new Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
While the Prince of Wales will also be part of the FA delegation in his role as President.
England vs Spain record
England have played Spain 27 times in total - here is a look at every result...
- May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)
- December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)
- May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)
- November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)
- May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)
- May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)
- March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)
- June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)
- March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)
- July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)
- February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)
- September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)
- February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)
- February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)
- September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)
- October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)
Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.