World Cup-winning England international George Eastham dies aged 88

George Eastham, a member of England's World Cup-winning squad, has died at the age of 88. Eastham did not play in England's 1966 success on home soil.

In Short

• George Eastham, England's 1966 World Cup winner, dies at 88
• Eastham played for Newcastle, Arsenal, and Stoke
• Stoke City to wear black armbands in his honour against Sheffield

George Eastham, a member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad, has died at the age of 88, his former club Stoke City announced on Friday. The son of England international George Senior, Eastham was a midfielder and inside forward who played for Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Stoke City in the English top-flight league during a professional career spanning two decades. He earned 19 caps for England.

Renowned for his lethal left foot and creativity, Eastham is regarded as a legend at Stoke City. He famously scored the winning goal in the 1972 League Cup final, securing the club's first major trophy with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea. Over eight seasons, Eastham made 194 league appearances for Stoke and later managed the club from 1977 to 1978.

Born in Blackpool, Eastham is also remembered for his pivotal role in challenging the old 'retain and transfer' system, which allowed clubs to keep a player's registration to prevent them from leaving. When his contract with Newcastle expired in 1959, Eastham went on an eight-month strike to force the club to let him join Arsenal.

He also took the matter to the High Court, where a judge ruled the'retain and transfer' system unreasonable. This landmark case led to significant reforms in the British transfer market, including the establishment of a tribunal to resolve disputes.

In 1973, Eastham was honoured with the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to football. As a mark of respect, Stoke City players will wear black armbands during their Championship game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, the club announced.

"The Stoke City family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88," his former club said upon announcing his death on their website. "George was signed by the Potters for a £35,000 fee shortly after being part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad. He went on to represent the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in red and white.

"He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley. The Potters will wear black armbands for the fixture against Sheffield Wednesday [on Saturday] as a mark of respect. Our thoughts are with George's family and friends at this difficult time."