England right-back and 1966 FIFA World Cup winner, George Cohen has died at the age of 83.
Cohen was born and raised in Kensington, London, but despite living closer to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, he opted to join Fulham where he spent 13 years as a player in which he scored six goals in 459 appearances between 1957-69.
“It was easier to bunk into Fulham than it was to get into Chelsea,” joked Cohen in a 2016 interview with http://www.fulhamfc.com, as he added: “There was this big tree at Craven Cottage, and my friends and I used to climb up it and drop over the wall into the ground.
“The Club knew we used to sneak in that way, but it didn’t mind; I suppose it was a way of recruiting young supporters!”
After completing his education, Cohen went on to join the Cottagers’ ground staff initially before he was signed as a player, with his biggest success at Craven Cottage seeing the club promoted to the Old First Division in 1958-59 season and went on to spend nine seasons in the top-flight.
Across his playing career, Cohen also earned 37 senior caps for England between 1964-67, during which he – as vice-captain – helped the Three Lions clinch the 1966 FIFA World Cup on home soil – which remains the only major title which the men’s team have won in all competitions.
Out of the 1966 World Cup winners, Cohen also became the first player to step down from international football following a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland at Wembley Stadium in November 1967.
Cohen’s career eventually concluded in 1969 after he wasn’t able to recover from a serious knee injury, although he soon went on to coach Fulham’s youth team and England’s Under-23s in the following years.
2000 saw Cohen and four of his England teammate; Roger Hunt, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson and Nobby Stiles all awarded M.B.E honours for their services to football.
Cohen meanwhile had gone on to build a career in the property and building markets away from football, but eventually returned as a matchday host for Fulham in their hospitality lounge and a suite eventually was named after him – ‘George Cohen Lounge’.
Aside from his hospitality hosting duties, Cohen also got involved with Fulham FC Foundation tackling dementia and men’s health, of which the former issue inspired the Fulham Memories initiative.
In a short statement, Fulham commented: ‘Everyone associated with Fulham Football Club is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest ever players – and gentlemen – George Cohen MBE.’
‘All of our thoughts are with Daphne, his beloved wife of more than 60 years, sons Anthony and Andrew, his grandchildren and extended family, as well as George’s many, many friends.’
Fulham also confirmed that details of how club supporters can pay tribute and Fulham’s plans to honour to honour Cohen will be announced on their official website in due course.
England FA Chair, Debbie Hewitt meanwhile issued the following tribute on behalf of the FA: “We are very sad to hear the news of George Cohen’s death today.
“George won 37 caps for England during his international career and was vice-captain of our World Cup winning team in 1966.
“We would like to pass on our deep condolences to George’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Hewitt also confirmed that England will pay their own tribute to Cohen ahead of their opening UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on 26 March 2023.
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