Sir Bobby Charlton not only won the World Cup, but he was the only Manchester United player called up to the squad in 1958, months on from surviving the Munich Air Disaster.
It doesn’t get much bigger than Sir Bobby Charlton when it comes to Manchester United and England legends.
From tragedy to triumph, eight years on from losing his teammates in the Munich Air Disaster, Charlton was a World Cup champion.
This is Charlton’s story from the four World Cups he attended with the England national team.
What is your most memorable David Beckham World Cup moment?
Sweden 1958 – Sir Bobby Charlton’s first World Cup call-up
Although Charlton didn’t make an appearance at the 1958 World Cup, his call-up was significant considering it came just months after he survived the Munich Air Disaster and lost eight of his teammates.
Charlton was the only United player in the England squad because three established stars had lost their lives in the disaster. That includes Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor and Roger Byrne.
England failed to get out of the group stages.
Chile 1962 – Sir Bobby Charlton announces himself on the world stage
Having established himself as one of the best players in Europe at United, the 1962 World Cup saw Charlton announce himself on the world stage.
Charlton scored a crucial goal in the group stage win over Argentina, and he made a total of four appearances.
England were knocked out by a Garrincha-inspired Brazil side in the quarter-finals. Charlton registered an assist for Gerry Hitchens in that match.
England 1966 – Sir Bobby Charlton wins the World Cup
At the peak of his powers and on home soil, Charlton became a world champion in 1966.
England drew their opening match 0-0 against Uruguay, but Charlton inspired England to their first victory of the tournament with a 25-yard screamer against Mexico.
Charlton was arguably at his best in the semi-final win over Portugal, scoring a brace to outshine the legendary Eusebio.
In the final, he kept Franz Beckenbauer at bay as England won the World Cup.
Mexico 1970 – Sir Bobby Charlton’s substitution proves costly for England
At 32-years-old, Mexico 1970 was Charlton’s fourth and final World Cup.
In a famous quarter-final collapse against Germany, England were leading 2-1 in the 70th minute when Alf Ramsay took Charlton off.
Germany took control and won the match 3-2 in extra time.
Charlton made four appearances in the tournament.
Who is the best Man Utd player to never play at a World Cup? 🏆🤔
Man Utd had a Ballon d'Or winner who never played at a World Cup.
Sir Bobby Charlton’s World Cup record
Winning the World Cup in 1966 was among Charlton’s greatest achievements.
Charlton made a total of 14 appearances in the World Cup, scoring four goals and registering two assists.
The United legend is one of five players to win the World Cup during his time at the club.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
