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Image from the archives of the 1966 FIFA World Cup, which England hosted and eventually won. The 1966 FIFA World Cup is the only World Cup ever won by England.
1/8England has only won the Soccer World Cup once, in 1966. This was also the World Cup hosted by England. The quadrennial soccer tournament attracted 16 teams from four federations. Football matches were held in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Birmingham. England won the tournament, defeating West Germany in the final. Here are 7 rare images from the World Cup. (Image: Reuters)
2/8This is the official tournament poster for the 1966 FIFA World Cup. The poster includes three elements: a golden ball, the official mascot, and the logo. Logo The logo represented the tournament with the Jules Rimet Trophy featuring the FA crest on the ball as a globe surrounded by the words ‘WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP • JULES RIMET CUP • ENGLAND • 1966’. And in the background was the British flag (Union Jack), which united the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). Besides England, none of the three English soccer teams qualified for the tournament. 1966 was the first soccer World Cup to have its own mascot. A lion was chosen as the tournament’s mascot and was named Willie. Willie was always depicted wearing a Union Jack shirt, representing one of Britain’s constituent nations. (Image: Reuters)
3/8At group stage level, hosts England were in Group 1 along with Uruguay, Mexico and France. England drew their opening game of the tournament against Uruguay, with the match ending 0-0. The Three Lions’ next game was against Mexico. Goals from forwards Bobby Charlton and Roger Hunt were enough for England to beat Mexico 2-0. This photo shows Mexican goalkeeper Ignacio Calderon diving to stop Bobby Charlton’s kick, but was unable to do so. (Image: Reuters)
4/8The 1966 FIFA World Cup final was played at Wembley Stadium between England and West Germany. Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick helped England defeat West Germany 4-2 and secure the World Cup. In this photo, England players can be seen celebrating just after the whistle. (Image: Reuters)
5/8This is the most iconic image of the 1966 World Cup. Pictured: England captain Bobby Moore holds the Jules Rimet trophy aloft on the shoulders of his teammates. The first version of the World Cup trophy was called the Jules Rimet Trophy and was used from 1930 to 1970. This image is frequently used in video montages to highlight the 1966 World Cup. (Image: Reuters)
6/8This photo shows England captain Bobby Moore and team manager Alf Ramsey holding the iconic Jules Rimet trophy. (Image: Reuters)
7/8Victorious English footballers are all smiles as they celebrate their World Cup victory with the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley Stadium. (Image: Reuters)
8/8England captain Bobby Moore kisses Jules Rimet’s Mandatory trophy. (Image: Reuters)
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