![1966 FIFA World Cup](https://cdn.newsserve.net/en/knowledge/-FIFA-World-Cup_20190203.jpg)
England return home after ‘very painful’ loss
Southgate and his players touched down in the rain at Stansted Airport, having seen their their hopes of joining the 1966 World Cup..
The 1966 FIFA World Cup was the eighth FIFA World Cup, a quadrennial football tournament for men's senior national teams. It was played in England from 11 to 30 July 1966. England defeated West Germany 4–2 in the final to win their first ever World Cup title. The final was level at 2–2 after 90 minutes and went to extra time, when Geoff Hurst scored two goals to complete his hat-trick, the first to be scored in a men's World Cup final. England were the fifth nation to win the event, and the third host nation to win after Uruguay in 1930 and Italy in 1934. Two time reigning champions Brazil failed to get past the group stages as they were defeated by Hungary and Portugal. It was the first time that defending champions were eliminated in the group stages after Italy in 1950. This would not occur again until 36 years later. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II during the opening ceremony.
Southgate and his players touched down in the rain at Stansted Airport, having seen their their hopes of joining the 1966 World Cup..