Time for England to join the class of '66

AFTER a 44-year wait, it is time for England to win the World Cup again.

That was the message from former 1966 legend Sir Geoff Hurst when he made his first visit to Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

He was at Glanford Park to promote a new coaching partnership being developed between the club and the McDonalds fast food chain for whom he is director of football.

But he took time out to speak exclusively to the Telegraph about his hopes for Fabio Capello's squad in South Africa this summer.

Not since his hat-trick in the 4-2 victory against West Germany on that famous day in 1966 have England been world champions.

But Hurst believes this time could really be their best chance of doing it again.

"Traditionally the expectancy level for England has been so extravagant when they go to the finals of a World Cup," he confessed.

"But looking at this current squad of players – and at the management – I think it gives us great hope that we can be successful.

"Looking at the draw, it is favourable for us, not just in the early round, but we would not bump into the likes of Spain or Brazil until the later stages of the competition.

"The conditions in South Africa should be ones that suit us and I think this present group of players will be very disappointed if they do not reach the semi-final stages."

Hurst believes there are great strengths in the England team, but also still a place or two up for grabs for young players to emerge late into the squad – just like he and his West Ham team-mate Martin Peters did all those years ago.

"We are capable of beating anyone in the world on a one-off basis," he continued.

"But the World Cup finals are not just one game, they are a group of six or seven if you are going to win it.

"It's about keeping your best players fit and free of suspension for the best part of a month.

"We have star players like Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and probably too Rio Ferdinand and John Terry in defence.

"The way Rooney is playing at the moment, he might just think he can go there and win the tournament on his own!"

Read the rest of this article in today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.