Boys of 1966 honoured

England legends such as the late Sir Alf Ramsey and Jimmy Greaves finally received their 1966 World Cup winner’s medals in a special presentation with Prime Minister Gordon Brown at Downing Street on Wednesday.

Only the first eleven received winner’s medals when England beat West Germany in 1966 but a new FIFA directive meant that the remainder of the squad plus the coaching staff were now eligible for a medal.

The eleven players who made up the England squad behind the first eleven were all in attendance and included Terry Paine and George Eastham who were flown over from their homes in South Africa by The Football Association.

Sir Alf Ramsey, who passed away in April 1999, was represented by George Cohen at the request of his widow, Lady Ramsey, while the team’s late trainer and physio, Harold Shepherdson and Les Cocker, were both represented by their families.

The day started out with a celebratory lunch at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London with World Cup hat trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst in attendance before the party left for Downing Street in an England branded team coach.

The players were met at Number Ten by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Richard Caborn, FIFA Vice-President Geoff Thompson and FA Chairman, Lord Triesman, who commented: "Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy is one of English football’s most iconic images so we’re delighted that everyone connected with that fantastic occasion has been honoured with a winner’s medal by FIFA today."

The Prime Minister added: "I am delighted to welcome these players to Downing Street today.

"It’s absolutely right that we recognise their role in England’s 1966 World Cup success - one of our finest sporting moments. They are real football heroes and have made this country proud.

"The 1966 World Cup engaged and inspired the whole country for generations, just as we hope to inspire a whole new generation with our bid to host the 2018 World Cup."

Following Downing Street, the players made their way to Wembley Stadium where they watched England v Andorra from the Royal Box and received a standing ovation at half time when individually introduced to the 58,000 crowd pitchside.

Medal Winners

• Sir Alf Ramsey (Manager) – Represented by George Cohen
• Harold Shepherdson (Team Trainer) – Represented by Margaret Shepherdson and Linda Spraggon
• Les Cocker (Team Physio) – Represented by David and Lee Cocker
• Peter Bonetti
• Ron Springett
• Jimmy Armfield
• Gerry Byrne
• Ron Flowers
• Norman Hunter
• Terry Paine
• Ian Callaghan
• John Connelly
• George Eastham
• Jimmy Greaves