England’s 1966 World Cup winner Martin Peters dies at age 76

LONDON (AP) — Martin Peters, who scored one of England’s goals in its victory over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, has died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 76.

Peters’ family announced his death via a statement through English soccer club West Ham, saying he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

“A beloved husband, dad and grandad, and a kind, gentle and private man, we are devastated by his loss but so very proud of all that he achieved and comforted by the many happy memories we shared,” the family said in a statement.

Peters, a wide goalscoring midfielder with good movement and who had the ability to cross well with either foot, netted the second goal in the 1966 final. West Ham teammate Geoff Hurst scored England’s other three goals in a 4-2 win after extra time. It remains the England men’s soccer team only title at a major tournament.

It was one of Peters’ 20 goals for England in 67 international appearances.

Peters spent 11 years at West Ham in his club career, and also had five-year spells at Tottenham and Norwich before retiring in 1981.

In 2016, Peters was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, one of several of the 1966 World Cup team to be battling dementia.