Geoff Hurst's Greats : England's 1966 Hero Selects His Finest Ever Footballers

**Half a century on from his Wembley hat-trick, England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst risks controversy as he narrows down football's finest to a select 50.** Which of his 1966 teammates have earned their place among the all-time greats? Would he have had Franz Beckenbauer in his XI ahead of Bobby Moore? What are his memories of playing against Pelé and Eusébio? And which England stars of later generations would Sir Geoff have loved to play alongside? With first-hand tales of former teammates and rivals, along with tributes to those he's admired from the terraces, Geoff Hurst's Greats is essential reading for football fans of all ages. "Sir Geoff Hurst, from his vantage point as a true national hero and international football ambassador - and still the only man ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final - risks controversy as he narrows down football's finest to a select 50 in this brilliant new book. From unerringly consistent shot-stoppers to explosively temperamental forwards, not to mention the odd libero, false nine and wing half, the list brings together the greats of every shape, size and position. Sir Geoff brings many first-hand tales of former teammates and rivals, along with tributes of those he's admired from the terraces. Each entry is accompanied by a photo of the player in their prime. Is Franz Beckenbauer preferred to England's heroic Bobby Moore? Has Messi managed to edge ahead of his countryman Diego Maradona? Have Bale or Suarez done enough to make the cut? This absorbing book from one of the great icons of the British game is a must-read for football fans everywhere - and the likely start of many forthright debates ..."--Amazon.co.uk Sir Geoff Hurst, MBE, was knighted in 1998 for his contributions to soccer, including his World Cup winning hat-trick for England against West Germany at Wembley in 1966. He enjoyed a season with the Seattle Sounders in the twilight of his career. In this brilliant new book, Sir Geoff risks controversy as he narrows down soccer's greatsfrom Maradona to Messi; Beckenbauer to Beckham; Pel to Klinnsmanto a select fifty. Bringing many firsthand tales of former teammates and rivals, he gives his take on history's greatest players.