Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWhen you watch the 1966 World Cup final now, even through modern eyes, one thing jumps out at you immediately: Bobby Moore was really bloody good.A lot has changed about the game in the 60 years since England lifted the World Cup, but Moore would be right at home in the modern game.The centre-back's grace, composure, and willingness to come forward with the ball and offer a threat in the final third would be just as much an asset to Thomas Tuchel now as it was to Sir Alf Ramsey then...and yet it's still not the first thing people talk about when discussing Moore.Sir Geoff Hurst: 'Bobby Moore was my role model'Just ask Sir Geoff Hurst, who came through the youth ranks at West Ham alongside Moore before the two of them went on to play well over a thousand games combined for the club, winning the FA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup along the way...to say nothing of their achievements together on the international stage.But despite Moore being just eight months older than his centre-forward, Sir Geoff admits that he always saw Moore as a role model. You may like The closest England striker compared to me, in terms of style? Id have to pick out Alan Shearer Sir Geoff Hurst compares himself to the Three Lions greats that succeeded him at later World Cups Sir Alf Ramsey: England's silent knight Sixty years on: Was England's 1966 winning XI destiny, fate, or a chance affair? Sir Geoff told FourFourTwo: "[Bobby] was a fantastic player - the best player I played with - and his reading of the game, and his calmness and his distribution were terrific. He made two goals in the 1966 World Cup Final as a central defender."But he was always one I looked up to, although he's similar age to me.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."The word I often use with Bobby is immaculate."When we went to lift the World Cup trophy at Wembley in 66, I was right behind Bobby. He saw the Queen wearing white gloves and he wiped his hands before he shook hers so as not to dirty her gloves"I mean, who does that after winning a World Cup Final? An immaculate man with an immaculate character." What to read next Paul Gascoigne reveals which England star has impressed him Joe Cole discusses why England's Golden Generation failed to reach its potential HENRY WINTER: Jude Bellingham is England's next captain and he proved it in 20 minutes - because of course he did Sir Geoff added: "It's funny because some people are just born with it."Without being elected, it's like they are in parliament, and often without even realising it, theyre just born for greatness born to lead and inspire."You get them in all walks of life, from business to sport, and these people automatically show themselves as leaders."Bobby was the captain of West Hams youth teams, then the captain of West Ham and then England."He didnt ask for it, he didnt scream or shout or dominate people, he just inspired. He had that glow about his character you cant really describe you just followed."TOPICSGeoff HurstWest Ham UnitedEnglandSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
