English football icon Terry Paine, one of the last surviving members of the 1966 World Cup squad, believes that the current 2026 team has a good chance of success. Paine, 87, who enjoyed a distinguished career with England and Southampton, expressed his optimism for the team’s prospects in the upcoming tournament.
Reflecting on his own past earnings as a footballer, Paine shared anecdotes about his modest wages during the 60s compared to his father’s income. He reminisced about investing his £1,000 bonus from the ’66 World Cup victory in a horse named Tornado, humorously noting the horse’s lackluster racing performance.
Paine, awarded his World Cup medal in 2009, expressed his eagerness to witness England’s performance in the competition. Encouraging the team, he emphasized the importance of player fitness, luck, and on-field performance in securing victory. He praised the current squad’s sharpness and highlighted the presence of prolific goal scorer Harry Kane as a key asset.
While acknowledging the strength of teams like France, Paine remained hopeful for England’s success, citing their recent impressive form. Despite concerns about the increasing commercialization of football, he expressed contentment with his post-football life and eagerly anticipated cheering for England in their matches.
As one of the few remaining survivors from the legendary 1966 squad, Paine’s affection for South Africa, where he later found success as a TV pundit and ambassador, was evident. He emphasized the significance of national pride in team management, drawing on his experiences under Sir Alf Ramsey.
Paine’s rich football history, including his playing career and subsequent contributions to the sport, underscored his unwavering support for the England team. With a mix of nostalgia and optimism, he conveyed his hopes for a new generation of players to achieve World Cup glory, wishing them the best of luck in their endeavors.