Ex-England goalkeeper Ron Springett passes away aged 80

Sunday 13 Sep 2015
Ron Springett played 33 times for England

The FA is saddened by the news that former England goalkeeper Ron Springett has passed away at the age of 80, following a short illness. 

Springett began his career with Queens Park Rangers in 1953 before moving to Sheffield Wednesday five years later. 

He played 33 times for the Three Lions after making his debut against Northern Ireland at Wembley Stadium in November 1959, saving a penalty from Jimmy McIlroy in the 2-1 victory.

The Fulham-born stopper was England's no1 at the 1962 World Cup in Chile where they reached the quarter finals before losing to eventual champions Brazil.

Four years later Springett was an unused member of Sir Alf Ramsey's World Cup-winning squad - his last international appearance coming shortly before the Finals as England beat Norway 6-1 in Oslo.

He was also an FA Cup runner-up that summer, playing for Wednesday in their 3-2 defeat to Everton at Wembley. 

In 1967 Springett returned to Loftus Road where he remained for the rest of his career before retiring in 1969. 

The Football Association would like to express its deepest condolences and our thoughts are with Ron's family and friends at this sad time.

By FA Staff