News about Alf Ramsey

Derek Farrant (right), 98, from Shoreham, West Sussex, celebrated his 19th birthday as he steamed towards Normandy with the largest invasion fleet in history in June 1944. He had hoped he would be fit to attend the landmark 80th anniversary commemoration in less than two months to remember his fallen comrades. Unfortunately, Mr Farrant fell over and broke a hip in January before passing away last month. At 7.15am on June 6, 1944, Mr Farrant, who was in the Royal Engineers, was approaching Gold Beach (left) alongside his two friends Big and Little Jock. As the ramp of the landing craft opened a German shell struck and men were thrown into the water. Under heavy fire, the Royal Engineers, each carrying 29lbs of high explosives, were tasked with clearing a way for the invasion.

JEFF POWELL: The last time we broke bread together Our Bobby was under doctor's orders not to drink, but he looked around to make sure his beloved Norma wasn't watching and said, 'Go on then.' For the sake of an old time, a beer is a must.' Not that he had a serious relationship with alcohol. The odd drink took its measured place as with everything else in a life well-considered. Except for the football.

The Lionesses of England have left their hotel for the final countdown before their historic World Cup final starts. In Sydney's light blue tracksuits ahead of England's first World Cup final since 1966, the participants were seen stepping out of the Intercollegiate Athletic in Sydney. Young and old supporters gathered outside the hotel and applauded as their heroes boarded a maroon-coloured bus, branded with 'The Final' in gold lettering, to take them to Stadium Australia. The bus was given a police escort for its ride around the town, which should take about half an hour. Sarina Wiegman's crew were seen strolling in the Sydney sun earlier in the day, a tradition that many teams enjoy before a big game.

The Lionesses of England are seen relaxinde by the pool, enjoying Sydney's sights, and dancing in the dressing room ahead of Sunday's big game. In the changing room of Lotte Wubben-Moy's Instagram story, Goalie Mary Earps (middle) was caught merrily side-stepping as her coworkers walked around her. Wubben-Moy also captured Alessia Russo and Ella Toone (both right) swimming in the pool as they countdown to the World Cup Final against Spain, England's first since 1966. Katie Zelem (left) of midfield can also be seen smiling as she showcases some bright blue cupcakes that were being stored in a Nike shoebox.

At the training session, Sarina Wiegman put the squad through their paces, as the players had a chance to impress the boss and find a place among the 11 players due to line out on Sunday. During the tournament, England has only used 11 players so far. Wiegman has only lost one time during her international coaching career at a major tournament, when her home Netherlands team was defeated by the United States in the 2019 World Cup final.

Fulham has announced the death of England World Cup winner George Cohen (left). Cohen (pictured with Bobby Moore in 1996, senior) competed in the Wembley final against West Germany 56 years ago, earning him a reputation as one of the best players of his time. Fulham's 83-year-old (right) was a one-club legend, and the club unveiled a statue of him in 2016. Cohen (pictured with late Queen Elizabeth, bottom right) and Sir Geoff Hurst (inset, first bottom left) and Sir Bobby Charlton (second bottom left) are two remaining members of the first XI that competed in the 1966 final; second bottom left). .

Over the years, England and France have met five times in football history, with the fixture bringing a lot of drama. SportsMail has revisited some of the epic clashes between the two teams as they prepare to face the 2022 Qatar World Cup for the sixth time on Saturday night. It's also worth noting that out of those five matches, England has won two while France has won just one, with both ide sides playing out two draws.

On the sultry Saturday afternoon of July 11, 1966 England supporters were still paying at the turnstiles for admission to watch the boys play Uruguay in the World Cup Finals. Others had purchased tickets at their local newsagent as they picked up the morning newspaper. Maximum allowance ten per person! The late walk-up on Wembley Way raised the deadliest number of tourists to a respectable 87,148, but it was still more than ten thousand less than the old Empire Stadium's capacity at 98,600.

We all have a few extraordinary experiences that have changed our lives. We'll be hoping more will come our way as we get ready for a new week of football.

The United States' influence on international soccer is notably limited. Since completing the country's first appearance on soccer's biggest stage in Uruguay 92 years ago, the Americans have struggled through a four-decade qualifying drought, four group stage departures, and one measly quarterfinal appearance on the country's biggest stage. After being defeated by Trinidad and Tobago, the worst of it came four years ago when the dazzling US squad began to qualify for the tournament for the first time. If there is a high point in US Soccer history, it came decades before the game has made it mainstream, but that doesn't mean it's any less important. The 'Miracle on Grass,' America's 1-0 victory over 70-1 favorites England at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil was one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, even though its effect was felt more on one side of the Atlantic than on the other.