England icon Sir Geoff Hurst: Three Lions could deliver hat-trick of good news this summer, even bigger than my 1966 World Cup final treble
England legend and 1966 World Cup final hero Sir Geoff Hurst believes the Three Lions could pull off a hat-trick of positive developments this summer, a feat that might have an even more significant impact than the three goals he famously netted against West Germany six decades ago.
Not only does Geoff predict England will triumph at the World Cup, but he also thinks doing so could rescue our pubs and “bring people together” during a period of division.
Speaking to the Star, the former West Ham star declared that England could “absolutely” claim the trophy, adding that he believes Thomas Tuchel has chosen “strong characters” to guide us through when “things don’t go right”.
Sir Geoff Hurst spoke exclusively to the Daily Star
Speaking on behalf of Sky Bet after the bookmaker pledged a £5 million jackpot for customers if England win the World Cup, Hurst explained: “It would not shock me at all if we win it. Yes, we’ve got some fantastic players, but it’s also a team that wins a World Cup, and Tuchel seems to be bringing out a sense of togetherness, and I love that.”
And the World Cup winner, who famously purchased a pub while playing for Stoke City, reckons that if we do win it, our boozers will be celebrating as much as our supporters.
He told the Star: “It’s a country thing, not just a football thing. Success brings people together. We know pubs are struggling ... but they will benefit when people are feeling positive and coming together to celebrate.”
Geoff Hurst is one of just two players to score a World Cup final hat-trick, and the only one to go on and win the tournament (Image: Getty Images)
And it’s not only the English pub that a World Cup win could rescue, but the national psyche itself at a challenging time for our country, according to Geoff.
He said: “It’s something this country could really do with. We hear disappointing news almost every day. I switch the television off sometimes because it can be so negative.
“Winning a World Cup gives the whole country a lift and gives people a more positive mentality.”
England men have not won a trophy since their Wembley triumph in 1966 (Image: Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
While Hurst hopes for an England hat-trick off the pitch, the Three Lions legend joked to the Star that he is not so keen on the idea of one in the final itself.
Pointing out that he remains the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final and then win the game, Hurst joked: “I hope Harry Kane scores two and England win the final.”
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