Take a look behind the curtain at England's 1966 triumph in rare photos
The year of 1966 remains the greatest year in English footballing history.
Victory over West Germany in the final, 4-2 after extra time, is the biggest, most famous, most memorable game in the country’s long-standing relationship with the beautiful game and until it is achieved again will remain that way.
Everyone has seen the iconic photo of Bobby Moore being held aloft with the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley following the triumph.
But what many people will not have seen is some of the lesser publicised photos from what was a marvelous year for the Three Lions.
This gallery looks at some of the behind-the-scenes snaps taken from that year – mainly involving the frenzy that went on during that wonderful summer in July – but also from before the tournament and what happened following the final on July 30th 1966.
And we start with the legendary Bobby Charlton taking some time out of a pre-tournament training session to relax on the grass and chat with a few idolising fans…
June 1966
Bobby Charlton chatting to fans while he takes a breather from training in Shropshire before the World Cup.
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July 1966
England World Cup Squad relax at HQ. Bobby Charlton and Jack with Peter Bonetti, Martin Peters and Bobby Moore playing cards.
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July 1966
Cassius Clay watches the crowds arrive at Wembley Stadium for the World Cup final – England v West Germany. It was before his August title fight against Brain London.
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July 1966
Brazilian football star Pele signing autographs for fans outside his hotel in Lymm, Cheshire during the World Cup tournament in England.
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17th July 1966
Bobby and Jack Charlton trying their hand at cricket at an England training session during the World Cup tournament.
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July 1966
World Cup Final match at Wembley Stadium. England 4 v West Germany 2 after extra time. American heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay watches the crowds arrive at Wembley before the match.
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30th July 1966
World Cup Final match at Wembley Stadium. England 4 v West Germany 2 after extra time. American heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay watches the crowds arrive at Wembley before the match.
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31st July 1966
A World cup banquet was held for the victorious England team at the Royal Garden Hotel following their victory over West Germany in the Final at Wembley.
Wives of the players who had to eat a separate dinner from their husbands, including Mrs Tina Moore, Mrs Peters, Mrs Hurst, Mrs Springett and Mrs Bonetti reading the Sunday Mirror newspaper.
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July 1966
Portugal star Eusebio surrounded by autograph hunters at Manchester’s Piccadilly railway station as the team make their way to London.
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30th July 1966
World Cup banquet held at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London in honour of the victorious England team following their victory over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final. Wives of the English players eating separate dinner from their husbands at the hotel.
They are left to right: Tina Moore, Mrs Peters, Mrs Hurst, Mrs Springett and Mrs Bonetti.
Copyright: MirrorPix