England’s 1966 World Cup heroes were fun, humble and unlike today’s stars

After lifting the trophy 60 years ago, some still supplemented their income by performing in working men’s clubs and as after dinner speakersWith each passing World Cup I am reminded of the times I spent in the company of those wonderful “Boys of 66”. What a privilege it was getting to know them in a much simpler era when, unlike today’s mollycoddled stars, household names remained unaffected by money and fame.Where were you on 30 July 1966, the day England won the World Cup? I was at my nan and grandad’s house.

They had a minute television which seemed no bigger than a matchbox. Intermittently the picture, which was in black and white, would roll around the screen. It was infuriating.

My grandad talked about needing to get the “horizontal hold fixed” (unless you are of a certain age you will need to Google that). I was nine years old. Continue reading...