English football icon Terry Paine, one of the last surviving members of the 1966 World Cup team, believes that the current 2026 squad has a strong chance of success. Paine, now 87 years old, expressed his optimism for the team’s prospects, noting that he will be supporting them from South Africa, where he resides.
Having enjoyed a distinguished career with England and Southampton, Paine reflected on his past earnings as a player, highlighting the significant difference in wages compared to his father’s income from British Rail. Despite the modest earnings by today’s standards, Paine emphasized the relative value of his wages at the time.
Recalling his experience during the 1966 World Cup, where he spent his bonus on a racehorse named Tornado, Paine expressed his excitement at the prospect of witnessing another English victory in the tournament. He praised the current squad’s performance, particularly singling out Harry Kane for his scoring prowess and the team’s overall sharpness on the field.
As a seasoned commentator in South Africa, Paine shared his insights on the upcoming tournament, emphasizing the importance of player fitness, team cohesion, and a bit of luck in securing victory. Expressing his preference for an English manager for the national team, Paine highlighted the motivational impact of having a manager from the same country.
Looking back on his illustrious career, Paine expressed his contentment with life after retirement, enjoying activities like golf while eagerly anticipating the England-Croatia match. As one of the last remaining players from the historic 1966 squad, Paine remains a passionate supporter of the national team, wishing them success in their quest for World Cup glory.
