England can emulate 1966 World Cup triumph, says FA chairman Greg Dyke

Football Association chief is adamant England can become a force in international football again

FA chairman Greg Dyke wants to reduce the number of clubs in the Premier League to 18 (Getty Images)

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke believes England have the foundations in place to win the World Cup in the near future.

It is now 50 years since the English national football team tasted success in any major tournament and Roy Hodgson’s men are unlikely to be among the favourites at the European Championship this summer.

But Dyke, who was speaking at an event commemorating the successful England triumph in 1966, insists the FA is making great strides towards emulating the events of 50 years ago.

He said: “I genuinely believe the building blocks are in place to one day soon emulate the 66 winners. We owe it to them. We owe it to a generation of teenage dreamers to show we can do it again.

“Anyone of my age will tell you it was one of the days of their life. I can remember going to at least three of the games. I couldn't get a ticket for the final and watched the match on a little black-and-white telly at my aunt's house.

England celebrate winning the World Cup in 1966 (GETTY IMAGES)

“Alf Ramsey (England's manager) announced beforehand that we would win it, and he never wavered. It was the tournament when England welcomed the world for the first time and our football hot-beds in the north showed their passion for the game on a global stage.

“We have to make sure we tell those stories and keep them alive. No-one will forget the achievements of the North Koreans or the antics - and that's the polite version - of Argentina and their captain (Antonio) Rattin, or the goals of Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton, and others.

“It is important to remember and pay tribute to each and every player in the final and also in the squad. We hope the celebrations cement the 66 winners their place in history and hope a new generation will hear their story and be inspired by it.”