It is with great sadness that The Football Association learns of the passing of former England international and coach Don Howe, aged 80.
Howe made 379 appearances for West Bromwich Albion and 74 for Arsenal, scoring 18 goals from full-back.
He earned 23 England caps and started every Three Lions match at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Howe was a member of the backline that helped secure a 0-0 draw against eventual champions Brazil – the first goalless draw in World Cup history.
When his playing career finished, Howe became one of the most well-respected coaches in the history of the English game.
Howe (l) celebrates Wimbledon's FA Cup win with manager Bobby Gould (r) and Terry Phelan
He was a key figure in the backroom teams of former England managers Ron Greenwood, Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables.
FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: “It is terribly sad news and our thoughts are with Don’s family at this time.
“He is widely regarded as being in the vanguard of coaching in England, and I know that his loss will be keenly felt amongst the coaching fraternity in particular and not least by Roy Hodgson, who was close to Don.
“He was a fine player – named as one of West Bromwich Albion’s finest – and, of course, he went on to play an integral part in Arsenal’s history as a coach and later as manager.
“For his country, he not only appeared in a World Cup, but he was instrumental in both Sir Bobby Robson’s management team for Italia ’90 and Euro ‘96 where he assisted Terry Venables.
“Even in his latter years I understand he continued to pass on his knowledge and advice to aspiring young coaches.
“It is a great loss for English football, especially following on so soon after the sad passing of Jimmy Hill.”
In the domestic game, Howe was assistant manager when Arsenal won the ‘Double’ in 1971 and he also helped steer the Gunners to three FA Cup Finals, losing in 1978 and 1980 and winning the 1979 edition.
And he was Bobby Gould’s assistant when Wimbledon shocked Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final.
During his career, Howe managed West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal, Queens Park Rangers, Coventry City and Galatasaray.
