Auctioneers say Geoff Hurst's World Cup final shirt could fetch £500,000

Updated

The shirt worn by Sir Geoff Hurst in the 1966 World Cup final is expected to fetch up to half a million pounds at an auction to be held nearly 50 years to the day since England's greatest footballing triumph.

The red long-sleeved jersey, with the famous Three Lions badge on the front and number 10 in white on the back, was worn by Sir Geoff as he became the first and only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

Sir Geoff was awarded a place in the starting line-up after striker Jimmy Greaves was injured earlier in the tournament, and went on to guarantee his place in football history by scoring the decisive goals in England's 4-2 final win over West Germany.

Auctioneers Sotheby's estimate the cotton Umbro jersey will attract bids of between £300,000 and £500,000.

Gabriel Heaton, a specialist at the auction house, said: "Half a century on, the immense importance of this match to the English game and nation is being underlined once again with the extensive commemorations of the match's 50th anniversary.

"This shirt, worn by the match's star player, is the most significant obtainable artefact relating to this historic match. It represents a legendary moment in the annals of English football, and a sporting achievement that has never been repeated in half a century.

"It's a really special, unique item - there is a premium attached to it and it's these sort of items that increase in value over the years."

The shirt has been auctioned before - in 2000 it was sold by Sir Geoff for more than £90,000, Mr Heaton said.

The jersey will go on display at Sotheby's auction house in central London ahead of the sale on July 12.

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