England's historic 1966 World Cup triumph is being commemorated with the release of two new films, marking 60 years since the nation's sole major international men’s football victory.
The films feature Sir Geoff Hurst, the only surviving member of the victorious squad, alongside fans who witnessed the iconic final at Wembley Stadium.
Sir Geoff's legendary hat-trick, scored in the 4-2 victory over West Germany on 30 July, remains etched in sporting history.
Reflecting on that momentous day, Hurst shared: "Coming up the tunnel that day, only a section of the crowd could see us, then 96,000 – that memory will always stay with me." He added that the event's impact continues to resonate.
"I still meet people today who tell me exactly where they were on the day, either at the game, or on holiday all around the world. Getting married and guests not turning up, all the sort of stories you hear.
“Programmes still turn up, the original ones. Tickets from the game turn up at functions. People have kept them over the years and bump into to me at a show or theatre asking me to sign. It is quite remarkable."
The second film introduces supporters Norman Cooper, Ray Liberty, and Derek Scott, all of whom were present at Wembley for the final, alongside BBC cameraman Harry Coventry. Remarkably, Cooper, Liberty, and Scott, who were strangers at the time, later forged a friendship through their shared patronage of the Nascot Arms pub in Watford.
Liberty expressed their collective fortune: "We’re very privileged, all very happy to have been there. What are the chances you’d have three people who were there all at the same pub?"
The trio, however, hold a more reserved view of modern football.
Liberty noted the stark contrast: "It was totally different to now. Now, we’re playing in Mexico, America, and there’s fanatical support, it wasn’t like that then, there was no hype.
“I appreciated it more back then. It’s been a long 60 years. It was great, we were a little country, everybody had a bit of it, but how lucky we were (to be at) Wembley."
Former cameraman Coventry vividly recalls the electric atmosphere of the day, but a particular moment brings a touch of professional regret. He recounted the famous hat-trick goal, which occurred as fans began to spill onto the pitch.
"That moment, and it wasn’t my camera. I was on the close-up camera and I was following Hurst all the way."
He lamented missing the iconic shot: "That seminal moment, every year there’s a World Cup that is the shot that everyone remembers, and it wasn’t me."
