A Key Member of England’s 1966 World Cup Squad
George Eastham, a member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, has passed away at the age of 88. Although he did not feature in England’s victorious World Cup campaign on home soil, Eastham was an integral part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s squad. The tournament remains England’s only World Cup triumph in history.
A Distinguished Playing Career
Eastham, born in Blackpool, enjoyed a successful career at several major clubs, including Newcastle, Arsenal, and Stoke City. Despite not playing in the final, his contribution to the team’s overall success in 1966 was significant.
At Stoke, Eastham achieved his only piece of club silverware, scoring the winning goal in the 1972 League Cup final against Chelsea, a 2-1 victory that secured the club’s first major trophy.
Fighting for Players’ Rights
Eastham’s legacy also extends beyond his on-field achievements. He played a pivotal role in a landmark 1963 court case that challenged restrictive football contracts, a battle that led to significant changes in the British transfer market. His efforts are often credited with improving players’ freedom to move between clubs, reshaping the landscape of English football.
Stoke City Tribute
Stoke City, the club where Eastham achieved his greatest success, expressed their sorrow at his passing. The club released a statement on their official website, offering condolences to Eastham’s family and friends. “The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE,” the statement read.
Eastham joined Stoke City for a £35,000 fee after being part of England’s World Cup-winning squad. He spent eight seasons with the club, playing in the top division and becoming a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist. His most memorable moment at Stoke was scoring the winning goal in the 1972 League Cup final at Wembley.
Stoke to Honor Eastham
In honor of Eastham, Stoke City will wear black armbands for their upcoming fixture against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. Additionally, the club plans a tribute during their Boxing Day match against Leeds United.
A Football Legacy
Eastham’s father, George Senior, also played for England, earning one cap. Eastham himself won 19 caps for his country between 1963 and 1966.
Before joining Stoke, Eastham made 124 appearances for Newcastle and 207 league appearances for Arsenal. He went on to make 194 league appearances for Stoke and was awarded an OBE for his services to football in 1974, shortly before retiring.
After his playing career, Eastham became assistant to Tony Waddington at Stoke and later served as the club’s manager from March 1977 to January 1978.
A Lasting Impact
George Eastham’s impact on football, both on and off the pitch, remains significant. His contributions to the game will not be forgotten, and his passing marks the end of an era for both England and Stoke City.
