Hurst: "The 1966 World Cup? I didn't really believe in it"

Sir Geoff Hurst, English football legend, etched his name in history by scoring a legendary hat-trick in England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final. Yet, just months earlier, his place in Sir Alf Ramsey's squad was far from guaranteed. Between patience, preparation, and a twist of fate involving Jimmy Greaves' injury, Hurst had to wait his turn before making his mark.

Hurst's journey to the England squad began late. The West Ham striker earned his first cap only in February 1966, mere months before the World Cup. In an interview with *FourFourTwo*, he admitted to staying grounded during that period: “You don’t look too far ahead, you know,” he said. “You could be surprised, but despite our success at West Ham, the World Cup was never really on my radar.” A humility that contrasted sharply with the magnitude of the event to come. The turning point came from an unexpected letter. In December 1965, the Football Association (FA) informed him of his selection for a match against West Germany at Wembley the following February. “It was quite a surprise to get that letter from the FA in December ’65 telling me I was in for the February game,” he recalled. “You go out there, do your best, and hope the manager sees enough in you.” An approach that paid off: Ramsey was eventually convinced. Martin Peters, his West Ham teammate and roommate on the tour, also made a late entry, playing his first match in May 1966 before scoring in the final. “We really played tight!”

A wait rewarded by Greaves’ injury

Hurst was part of the 22-man squad for the World Cup but only made his debut in the quarter-finals after Jimmy Greaves was injured in the final group match against France. An unexpected opportunity for the West Ham player, who never harbored any frustration. "Not for a second," he insists. "I was just so happy to be part of a World Cup team on home soil." He adds with self-deprecation: "I often joked that Alf Ramsey had chosen two average players before me, Jimmy Greaves and Roger Hunt, before changing his mind. But of course, those two were exceptional goal-scorers, and I was delighted to support them however I could." This philosophy guided Hurst throughout his career. "When an opportunity presents itself in life, you have to be ready to seize it. I seized mine," he confides. Despite this incredible stroke of luck, the memory of Greaves remains tinged with melancholy. "I was genuinely sad for the great Jimmy Greaves, who injured his leg against France. He deserved to play." An injury that paved the way for Hurst but also deprived England of an exceptional striker.

Wembley, a dream come true

For Hurst, the victory in the final against West Germany remains etched in his memory. A match in which he scored a historic hat-trick, forever sealing his name in the legend of English football. "Alf Ramsey with the Jules Rimet Trophy after the 1966 victory," he recalls. A crowning achievement that could have eluded him if Greaves had been fit. But fate decided otherwise, offering Hurst a unique chance to shine under the Wembley spotlights. The 1966 World Cup will forever be the tournament that defined his career, even if his path to glory was fraught with obstacles and twists of fate.