On the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, England legend Sir Geoff Hurst reflected on the iconic No.9s who followed him and explained why he always turns down offers of free drinks from strangers.

When it comes to unforgettable individual performances in an England shirt, few can rival Hurst’s display in the 1966 World Cup final. His famous hat-trick against West Germany secured a 4-2 victory, delivering England’s only major men’s tournament triumph to date.

Since that historic day, Hurst has witnessed 14 World Cups without seeing another England team lift the trophy. Over the decades, some of the nation’s finest strikers – including Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker, and Kevin Keegan – have all tried but failed to replicate his achievement.

For younger football fans who never saw him play, Hurst revealed the England forward he believes most closely mirrors his own playing style.

“Who’s most like me? I’d probably say Alan Shearer,” Hurst told FourFourTwo on the morning of the 2026 World Cup’s opening match.

He elaborated, “We’re all different – the No.9s who’ve represented England through the years. When you analyse how players perform on the pitch, it’s easy to spot contrasts, but in terms of overall play, movement in the air, and striking ability, Shearer is probably the closest to me.”

He added with a smile, “But we’re all unique. That’s the beauty of both life and football – everyone brings something different.”

Despite his status as a national hero, Hurst disclosed that he isn’t often inundated with offers of free pints, although they do happen occasionally. “I wouldn’t say there’s a queue, but people sometimes offer to buy me a drink, which is lovely, though I always decline,” said the 84-year-old. “It feels a bit strange when a complete stranger comes up and insists on buying me a pint, so I never accept.”

“It happens from time to time, not regularly or as much as people might imagine, but in certain situations. It’s very flattering and kind that people want to show appreciation in that way.”

Hurst spoke to FourFourTwo as part of Sky Bet’s new campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which includes a £5 million jackpot for qualifying customers if England win the tournament. The initiative also features an interactive public installation designed to gauge the nation’s optimism about England’s chances.

“Sky Bet is offering £5 million if England win the World Cup, and what’s even more interesting is the additional £100,000 for every goal England score,” Hurst explained. “That’s brilliant. In the last World Cup, England scored around 13 or 14 goals, which would significantly boost the total prize fund – a fantastic incentive and a great way to engage the country.”

Sir Geoff Hurst was speaking on behalf of Sky Bet, which has pledged a £5 million jackpot for customers should England lift the World Cup trophy.