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World Cup winner and Fulham legend George Cohen, who lived in Tunbridge Wells, dies aged 83

Former World Cup winner and footballing legend George Cohen MBE has died aged 83.

The England and Fulham player, who lived in Tunbridge Wells, was a one-club hero making 459 appearances and scoring six goals for the Cottagers at right-back, where he also played against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final.

George has died aged 83
George has died aged 83

Cohen made his debut for Fulham as a 17-year-old against Liverpool in 1957 previously working as a member of the ground staff.

Known for his pace, he was said to be one of the sport's first attacking full-backs.

A stalwart at Craven Cottage, by 1964 he got the nod from then England manager, Alf Ramsey who handed him his first cap against Uruguay at Wembley where he would help defeat the visitors 2-1.

He rose to the occasion taking the right-back spot from Jimmy Armfield, making himself Ramsey's first choice going into the fabled tournament two years later.

He would go on to be part of the only England team to win a World Cup, at the age of 26.

George Cohen went on to coach Tonbridge Angels for a season in 1974-75
George Cohen went on to coach Tonbridge Angels for a season in 1974-75

His career was cut short as he would retire early at 29-years-old due to a serious knee injury.

How good he was can be defined by the praise given to him by legendary winger George Best who described him as “the best full-back I ever played against.”

After retirement Cohen would spend a small stint in coaching, helping develop the youth team at Fulham.

He also spent a season managing non-league side Tonbridge Angels in 1974-75 where he helped them win the Kent Senior Cup.

Cohen's passing means the only England icons who lifted the Jules Rimet trophy still alive are hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

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