Roger Hunt's 1966 World Cup magic has just got a whole lot more valuable – fetching an astonishing £11,000 at auction! The legendary Liverpool striker's long-sleeved white shirt, worn during England's pulsating group stage match against France on 20 July 1966, has been snapped up by a lucky collector. And what a tale to tell – Hunt's two goals in that match proved the difference-maker as England secured a vital 2-0 win.
Hunt was an integral part of Sir Alf Ramsey's World Cup-winning squad, playing every game and netting three crucial goals that helped England progress from their group. Those were the days when football magic happened on English soil – the likes of Wembley Stadium still bring goosebumps to this day! Hunt's contributions were invaluable as England went on to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy after a thrilling 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final.
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge was beaming with pride, handling the sale of this treasured item. He highlighted Hunt's strong local connections to Wiltshire, where he served his National Service and played for Devizes Town – making this sale a true homecoming for the community. The significance of this auction is not lost on Aldridge, who noted that recent global football events have reignited interest in past glories.
The sale's astronomical price tag may be linked to the ongoing passion for the sport and its rich heritage. As England fans look forward to the next World Cup in four years' time, they'll surely draw inspiration from the likes of Hunt – a true icon of English football who will forever be remembered as one of the greats.
Sadly, Roger Hunt passed away in 2021, but his legacy lives on through the memorabilia associated with that iconic 1966 World Cup triumph. This sale serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of football to capture hearts and inspire generations – past, present, and future!