Scorer of an unmatched hat-trick in the most glorious British sporting triumph of the Queen's 70-year reign, World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst recalled how quickwittedness avoided an embarrassing own goal that wonderful July day.
With the Germans beaten 4-2 and England's players climbing Wembley Stadium's steps to be presented with the Jules Rimet trophy by Her Majesty, Sir Geoff was second in line to receive his medal behind captain Bobby Moore.
The Queen was waiting to present the coveted cup in her mustard hat and coat plus long white gloves.
Sir Geoff, who netted a disputed second goal in the final, watched as Moore realized his hands, dirty after 120 minutes of football, might smudge the monarch's pristine cloth gauntlets.
"Bobby noticed the Queen was wearing gloves. He had the foresight not to dirty the Queen's gloves," said Sir Geoff yesterday at Wembley.
"He wiped his hands on the parapet just before he collected the trophy."
This story is from the May 17, 2022 edition of Daily Mirror.
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This story is from the May 17, 2022 edition of Daily Mirror.
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