Geoff Hurst backing England boss Roy Hodgson
England World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst today implored his country to keep hold of boss Roy Hodgson – but believes the end is nigh for Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Hurst is still the only man to score a World Cup final hat-trick in the nation's finest hour, a 4-2 victory over Germany at Wembley in 1966.
The former striker has seen the highs and lows of English football first hand, which reached a disastrous ebb with the group exit from this year's tournament in Brazil.
The 72-year-old, who was the guest of honour at the Shropshire FA's Community Awards at Shrewsbury Town's Greenhous Meadow, said England captain Gerrard and Chelsea stalwart Lampard should retire, but feels national chief Hodgson should stay on.
Sir Geoff insists continuity is key as the national team try to rebuild going forward.
He said: "It's difficult to get to the heart of the problem, particularly when we are all so emotional about recent events.
"There are some good young players among the group. They have that opportunity to do what Alan Ball and Martin Peters did in the 1966 World Cup at 20 and 22 years of age the next time it comes around.
"Roy should stay on, a knee-jerk reaction won't cure the ills. My guess is that Steven and Frank will retire from international football."
Sir Geoff is no stranger to Shropshire, and after hanging up his boots, managing Telford United from 1976-9, leaving to join the England coaching team before later taking charge at Chelsea.
He said: "I had three very enjoyable years managing Telford. I have always said I wished I could have taken the board of directors there and transplanted them into Chelsea."
