George Eastham, England World Cup winner, passes away at 88

In England, George Eastham, a notable member of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad, has died at the age of 88. Although he did not play during the tournament, he was part of Sir Alf Ramsey's squad that made history by securing England's first and only World Cup title on home soil. Eastham, born in Blackpool, made significant contributions to football during his career, which included stints at Newcastle, Arsenal, and Stoke City. His legacy on and off the pitch is marked by his involvement in a landmark court case in 1963 that improved player transfer rights, a crucial change in the British football transfer system. Eastham began his career at Ards in Northern Ireland before making a significant impact in the English football leagues. At Newcastle, he scored 124 league appearances, followed by 207 appearances for Arsenal. Eventually, he moved to Stoke City, where he made 194 league appearances and is often remembered for scoring the decisive goal in the 1972 League Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley, securing the title for his team. His contributions extended beyond performance on the pitch, as he fought against restrictive contracts, commonly referred to as 'slavery contracts,' which were prevalent in football at that time. Following his retirement in 1974, Eastham received an OBE for his contributions to the sport. He took on coaching roles thereafter, including assisting at Stoke and later managing the club between 1977 and 1978. His passion for football did not end with his return from the professional game; he emigrated to South Africa where he not only coached local children but also campaigned against apartheid, advocating for equality and inclusive opportunities for all children regardless of their race. Eastham's passing has led to tributes from various football clubs, including Newcastle, Arsenal, and Stoke City, who have honored his legacy and expressed their condolences. His death leaves only a few surviving members of the iconic 1966 squad, highlighting the end of an era in English football. He won 19 caps for his country between 1963 and 1966, and he leaves behind a rich legacy both as a player and advocate for players' rights.