Sir Geoff Hurst: how old is England World Cup great, 1966 goal explained, and what’s his Germany prediction?

Geoff Hurst holds a special place in England football's history.

The former West Ham United forward remains the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, some 55 years on from when the Three Lions lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy.

His three goals included one hotly-debated strike that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced down behind the opposing goalkeeper and goal line, depending on your allegiances.

Regardless, England went on to win by two clear goals on 30 July 1966 as Alf Ramsey's England - starring Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, and Roger Hunt - beat West Germany 4-2.

Wembley was the setting for that memorable match in England's football history and will once again host England against Germany this summer at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.

Here's what one of the country's greatest strikers said ahead of England vs Germany at Euro 2020…

What is Geoff Hurst's England vs Germany prediction?

Geoff Hurst, who was knighted by the Queen in 1998 for services to football, predicted nothing less than an England win when asked on breakfast TV on the morning of the game.

In an interview with money expert Martin Lewis, presenting Good Morning Britain on ITV, Hurst was asked for his score prediction of the last 16 tie between England and Germany.

Hurst responded: "England, 2-1."

And the 79-year-old joked from his Cheltenham setting: "To say anything other than a win for England, I think I'd be shot."

What would Geoff Hurst say to the current crop of England players?

Hurst, who scored 24 goals for England in his 49 caps, said tonight's game was a "great opportunity" for the current crop of Three Lions players in front of a home crowd.

He said: "It's a great opportunity for the team to beat the Germans and go on to win the tournament - and create a momentous time in their careers which will be remembered forever, believe me.

"I'm sitting here and the fans still remember the game [1966 World Cup final], they still talk to me about the game and the legacy these young players will leave for the rest of their lives - there's no question about that."

Hurst was part of an England team to play a major tournament on home soil - something he believes is in itself a "momentous" occasion for any international footballer.

"It's momentous when you play an international tournament like the Euros and like the World Cup in your own country at Wembley - it's fantastic," he said.

"They have a great chance and appear to be in the right frame of mind.

"Gareth Southgate's done a fantastic job with them over the past two or three years and I fully expect them to get a result."

What time does England vs Germany kick off?

England vs Germany will kick off at 5pm on Tuesday 29 June 2021.

Wembley Stadium will host the Euro 2020 last 16 tie with 40,000 spectators expected to be allowed entry for the much-anticipated match.

Those unable to get to Wembley can watch the match from the comfort of their own homes or pub beer gardens on BBC One, with coverage starting from 4pm.

UK license fee holders will also be able to stream the game live on iPlayer.

England vs Germany latest odds

England are slight favourites to win the last 16 tie against Germany at Euro 2020 with the online bookies.

Many have Gareth Southgate's Three Lions at 7/5 or 11/8 to advance to the last eight of the Euros competition.

Germany are 2/1 with a draw in 90 minutes attracting some interest at 23/10.