The World Cup-winning star took on the unusual role later on in life
An England World Cup hero swapped football for a career as an undertaker following his retirement from the sport. Ray Wilson, who passed away in 2018, was a pivotal figure in the Three Lions’ legendary 1966 World Cup-winning side.
Wilson lined up at left-back in the historic clash as England defeated West Germany 4-2 at Wembley Stadium. He also featured in all six matches of the tournament, forming a resolute back four alongside the dependable George Cohen, Jack Charlton and the iconic Bobby Moore.
Wilson was the eldest member of the World Cup-winning squad at 31, and the full-back was crucial to Alf Ramsey’s setup, frequently driving forward during matches. He memorably set up the opening goal for Roger Hunt in the semi-final victory over Portugal.
Upon hanging up his boots in 1971, Wilson embarked on a rather unconventional path for a former professional footballer, joining his father-in-law’s business in Huddersfield.
He relied on his new venture to provide for his wife, Pat, whom he wed in 1956, and their two sons. Wilson ran the firm right up until his retirement in 1997 and was known to employ dry wit with those closest to him.
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His England teammate Cohen once disclosed that Wilson told him: “I was ringing to offer you a deal,” upon discovering his former colleague had been diagnosed with cancer.
Born in Shirebrook, Derbyshire, Wilson went on to earn 63 caps for the Three Lions, turning out for Huddersfield Town under Liverpool legend Bill Shankly, as well as Everton, Oldham and Bradford. Following a brief stint as caretaker manager at Bradford, he hung up his boots in 1971 at the age of 36.
Reflecting on England’s World Cup triumph – still the nation’s one and only taste of glory in the competition – he once told a journalist: “We were basically a defensive team. That was the first quality of the team.”
After short spells at Oldham and Bradford, Wilson and his wife Pat settled back in Huddersfield, where he embarked on a new career as a mortician, learning the trade under his father-in-law’s watchful eye.
So committed was he to his new vocation that he even went back into education to gain the O-level qualifications the role demanded.
In 2000, Wilson was honoured for his part in England’s historic World Cup win with an MBE. Sadly, just four years later, he was dealt a devastating blow when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
He passed away in May 2018 at the age of 83 – just two years after Huddersfield paid tribute to him by releasing a new second-change kit in his honour, bearing the fitting tagline “Legends Are Rarely Made”.
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