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Guernsey veteran squad captain 'World Cup ready'

Charlotte CoxGuernsey
Geoff Martel The England over-75s football team are seen on the pitch in a squad formation wearing red tops and white shorts with red football socks Geoff Martel
Geoff Martel, seen here in the front row with the football, says they are ready for the performance of a lifetime

The England over-75s football team is ready to produce "the performance of a lifetime" in an upcoming match marking the anniversary of the 1966 World Cup final, the squad's Guernsey-born captain has said.

Geoff Martel, 81, said the team was well-prepared after a training camp ahead of the memorial fixture against Germany on 30 July at Oldham Athletic FC.

Not only would it mark the 60th anniversary of England's 4-2 victory at Wembley, but it is due to come nine months on from the Veterans World Cup, where Martel's team finished runners-up to Germany.

"It has been a surreal experience," Martel said.

A close-up of Geoff Martel. He has short grey hair and is smiling. He is wearing a sports jacket.
Geoff Martel will lead his side against Germany next month

England's over-75s also defeated Germany on the way to winning the Veterans Football World Cup 2024.

"Now it is up to all the players to produce the performance of a lifetime and beat the Germans," said Martel.

He said being filmed by a crew from Sky Sports had been "incredible".

The broadcaster joined the players throughout their training camp and during a practice match, he said.

St John's University also continued work on a documentary charting the team's journey, with filming set to conclude after the commemorative fixture.

The squad had also recorded a team song with the help of musicians and singers, Martel added.

He said the build-up would continue on match day, with both teams traveling by coach from their hotels to the stadium.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher was due to take charge of the match, which will go straight to a penalty shoot-out if the scores were level after 90 minutes, organisers said.

The commemorative match is due to kick off at 15:00 BST on 30 July at Oldham AFC - exactly 60 years after England's famous World Cup victory over West Germany at Wembley.

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