How England’s 1966 World Cup Squad Prepared with Golf, Cricket, and Laughter on the Eve of Glory

On June 30, 1966, England achieved a historic victory by winning the World Cup. This moment was magical for players and fans alike. But how did the England squad prepare for this monumental day? Surprisingly, their preparation involved golf, cricket, and plenty of laughter.

In the days leading up to the final, the players gathered at the Bank of England Sports Club in Roehampton, London. This serene location provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation before the big game. The squad engaged in friendly games of golf to calm their nerves. Golf allowed the players to enjoy some light competition while taking their minds off the pressure of the upcoming match.

In addition to golf, the team played cricket. The players enjoyed a game of cricket, which helped them bond as teammates. This casual atmosphere was crucial in building team spirit. Laughter filled the air as they joked and teased each other, creating a sense of camaraderie. It was essential for the players to feel relaxed and united before stepping onto the world stage.

The training sessions were important, but the lighter activities were equally valuable. Playing sports like golf and cricket allowed them to unwind. They could focus on having fun rather than worrying about the game. This balance between preparation and relaxation was key to their mindset.

As the final approached, the excitement grew. The players knew they had a big responsibility to their country. However, their time spent playing games helped ease the tension. They were ready to face West Germany, the formidable opponent in the final match at Wembley Stadium.

On the day of the final, the players stepped onto the pitch with confidence. The spirit of teamwork from their golf and cricket games was evident. They played with heart and skill, ultimately winning the match 4-2 after extra time. This victory would become a defining moment in English football history.

#1 Members of the England World Cup soccer team pose at the training ground at Roehampton, England, 1966.

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#2

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#3 England’s Nobby Stiles relaxes with a game of cricket, 1966.

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#4 Jimmy Armfield, Manager Alf Ramsey and Ray Wilson at England Training, 1966.

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#5 England trainer Les Cocker, manager Alf Ramsey, physio Harold Shepherdson and Jimmy Greaves read the morning newspapers during a relaxing training session at Roehampton, 1966.

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#6 Nobby Stiles playing cricket, during England’s World Cup team’s preparation at Roehampton, London, before their semi-final match against Portugal at Wembley Stadium. Fielding in the picture is Alan Ball, 1966.

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#7 Sir Alf Ramsey, England manager, 1966.

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#8 England captain Bobby Moore turns his arm over as the players relax with a game of cricket, 1966.

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#9 England manager Alf Ramsey contemplates winning the World Cup during a training session at Roehampton, 1966.

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#10 England’s Jimmy Greaves and Jimmy Armfield take it easy during a training session at Roehampton, 1966.

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#11 England’s Bobby Charlton (white shirt) wafts his bat at the ball, watched by (l-r) Terry Paine, Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Gerry Byrne and Peter Bonetti, as the England squad relax with a game of cricket during a training session at Roehampton, 1966.

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#12 England captain Bobby Moore tries his hand at cricket during a training session at Roehampton, 1966.

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#13 England World Cup squad play a spot of cricket at Roehampton, 1966.

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#14 England striker Geoff Hurst shows his approval at some nice work on the cricket field during a light-hearted game, 1966.

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#15 Jimmy Greaves holds the attention of fellow England World Cup squad players Bobby Moore (right) and Ron Springett as they relax at Roehampton, London, 1966.

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#16 England’s Roger Hunt putts watched by Ron Flowers and John Connelly (C) at Roehampton, 1966.

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#17 England’s Bobby Charlton preparing for a World Cup training session at Roehampton, London, 1966.

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#18 The England squad are all ears as they gather at Roehampton to prepare for the following day’s World Cup Final, 1966.

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#19 England’s Charlton brothers, Bobby (l) and Jack (r), relax after a game of cricket, 1966.

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#20 England’s Jimmy Greaves (third r) lines up a putt as he and his teammates take a break from the serious business of preparing for the World Cup Final, 1966.

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#21 England’s Jack Charlton bowls watched by George Eastham at Roehampton, 1966.

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#22 Bobby Charlton playing golf at Roehampton, London, before tomorrow’s World Cup final match against West Germany at Wembley, 1966.

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#23

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#24 Jimmy Greaves poses for his team-mates. The answer to the second lies with the inscrutable Alf Ramsey, 1966.

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#25

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#26 Nobby Stiles, the Manchester United wing-half, concentrates hard during a putting session at the Bank of England Sports Club ground, Roehampton, London, where he was training with other members of England’s World Cup squad. Watching him are Leeds United half-back Jackie Charlton (left) and Blackpool full-back Jimmy Armfield, 1966.

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