England World Cup-winning squad member and footballing pioneer George Eastham dies at the age of 88

George Eastham, a member of England‘s 1966 World Cup winning squad, has died at the age of 88. 

The Blackpool-born winger did not play in his country’s only major tournament win but he was a part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s squad which triumphed on home soil 58 years ago. 

Eastham spent the majority of his career at Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke City. He had a far-reaching impact off the field, helping to improve players’ freedom to move between clubs during a landmark 1963 court case which he was involved in. 

A statement from the FA on Saturday morning read: ‘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.’ 

After making his breakthrough as a youngster with Ards in Northern Ireland, Eastham made 124 and 207 league appearances for Newcastle and Arsenal respectively before moving to the Potteries.

Eastham spent the majority of his career at Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke City. Pictured: Eastham during his time in north London with the Gunners

The winger (second from left ) was part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s squad for at the 1966 World Cup but did not make an appearance in the tournament

There, Eastham made 194 league appearances and was awarded an OBE for his services to football shortly before retiring in 1974. 

‘The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88,’ his former club said announcing his death on their official website. 

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

‘He went on to represent the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in red and white.

‘He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley.

‘The Potters will wear black armbands for the fixture against Sheffield Wednesday (on Saturday) as a mark of respect.

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

Eastham went on to be appointed as assistant to Tony Waddington before becoming Stoke manager himself between March 1977 and January 1978. He would later emigrate to South Africa where he was a football coach and became a vocal opponent of apartheid.