England's 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reignited excitement across the country and renewed hopes that this talented England side could enjoy a memorable tournament.
For many supporters, however, every World Cup campaign inevitably leads back to one defining moment in English football history. This year is particularly significant, as 2026 marks the 60th anniversary year of England's historic 1966 World Cup triumph.
At the heart of that victory was Sir Geoff Hurst, who remains the only player in football history to score a winning hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup Final. Six decades later, his achievement remains unmatched and continues to inspire generations of England supporters.
Today, Sir Geoff serves as a Brand Ambassador for Solomon Global, helping to champion the values of heritage, legacy and long-term thinking that have defined both his footballing career and his life beyond the game.
Sixty Years Since Football History Was Made
On 30 July 1966, England defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time in front of a packed Wembley Stadium to lift the FIFA World Cup for the first and only time.
Sir Geoff Hurst scored three of England's four goals, securing his place in football folklore. While countless legendary players have graced the World Cup stage since then, no player has ever replicated his feat of scoring a winning hat-trick in a World Cup Final.
As England's current generation pursues success in North America, supporters are once again reflecting on one of the most iconic moments in sporting history and the legacy it created.
England's New Generation Takes Centre Stage
England's victory over Croatia demonstrated why many believe this squad has the talent to compete with the world's best. Harry Kane once again led from the front, while players such as Jude Bellingham continue to showcase the quality and maturity that have made England one of the tournament favourites.
The performance also reignited a debate that has followed English football for decades: where does Harry Kane rank among England's greatest-ever strikers?
Few people are better placed to answer that question than Sir Geoff Hurst himself.
Sir Geoff Hurst on Harry Kane's Place in History
Ahead of England's World Cup opener, Sir Geoff sat down with Solomon Global to discuss Harry Kane, Jimmy Greaves and what truly defines footballing greatness.
“Harry Kane is as good as it gets for a modern striker. His all-round game is almost perfect. For me, he’s comfortably one of the top three English strikers of all time alongside Jimmy Greaves and Wayne Rooney.”
Sir Geoff highlighted Kane's unique ability to combine elite goalscoring with creativity, vision and leadership. Unlike many traditional centre-forwards, Kane contributes throughout every phase of the game, often dropping deeper to create opportunities for teammates while maintaining an exceptional scoring record.
His continued success at both club and international level has firmly established him among England's footballing elite.
Jimmy Greaves, Harry Kane and Football's Greatest Goalscorers
While Sir Geoff places Kane among the very best, he is also quick to recognise the extraordinary achievements of his former England teammate Jimmy Greaves.
“Jimmy was an out-and-out goalscorer, and probably the most natural finisher England has ever produced. His instinct in and around the box was unmatched, which is why many still see him as the greatest English goalscorer of all time.”
Comparing players from different eras is never straightforward. Greaves played during a period with fewer international tournaments and fewer opportunities to accumulate appearances and goals. Kane, meanwhile, has thrived in the modern game, where forwards are expected to contribute far more than simply finishing chances.
For Sir Geoff, both players deserve their place among England's all-time greats, albeit for different reasons.
What Legacy Really Means
As someone whose own legacy has endured for sixty years, Sir Geoff understands better than most what it means to leave a lasting impact.
“Sixty years on from 1966, you realise legacy is about more than one moment, it’s about what endures.”
Those words extend beyond football. Whether building a successful career, raising a family, preserving wealth or collecting meaningful pieces of history, many people are ultimately motivated by the desire to create something that lasts.
That appreciation for legacy is one of the reasons Sir Geoff has developed a strong interest in British history, symbolism and historic gold coins.
Sir Geoff Hurst and the British Lion Collection
As Brand Ambassador for Solomon Global, Sir Geoff has taken a particular interest in the 2026 British Lion bullion coin release, which forms part of the wider Year of the Three Lions collection.
“As someone who has a keen interest in English history and symbolism, I think this British Lion bullion gold coin is particularly special. The fact that three different lion coins are being released during the 60th anniversary year of England’s World Cup victory makes it feel like a genuinely memorable moment for collectors as well as a great celebration of legacy.”
The collection combines some of Britain's most enduring symbols with one of the most significant anniversaries in English sporting history, making it a particularly meaningful release for collectors and investors alike.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
As England continue their 2026 World Cup journey, supporters will once again dream of seeing the Three Lions lift football's greatest prize.
Whether this generation can emulate the achievements of 1966 remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the benchmark remains Sir Geoff Hurst and his unforgettable World Cup Final performance.
Sixty years after England's greatest sporting triumph, Sir Geoff's legacy continues to inspire football fans, collectors and investors alike. His place in history is secure, not only as England's World Cup hero, but as a reminder that the greatest achievements are those that endure for generations.
Sixty years after England's greatest sporting triumph, Sir Geoff's legacy continues to inspire football fans, collectors and investors alike. His place in history is secure, not only as England's World Cup hero, but as a reminder that the greatest achievements are those that endure for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sir Geoff Hurst?
Sir Geoff Hurst is a former England international footballer who played a pivotal role in England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup victory and remains one of the country’s greatest sporting icons.
What record does Sir Geoff Hurst hold?
Sir Geoff Hurst is the only player in football history to score a winning hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup Final.
How long ago was England’s World Cup victory?
England won the FIFA World Cup on 30 July 1966. The 2026 tournament marks exactly 60 years since that historic triumph.
What is Sir Geoff Hurst’s relationship with Solomon Global?
Sir Geoff Hurst is a Brand Ambassador for Solomon Global and works with the company on initiatives celebrating heritage, legacy, British history and precious metals ownership.
Why is the 2026 World Cup significant?
In addition to being football’s biggest tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the 60th anniversary of England’s 1966 World Cup victory and Sir Geoff Hurst’s historic World Cup Final hat-trick.
