LIVERPOOL football legends Ian Callaghan and Gerry Byrne will finally receive their World Cup winner’s medals today – more than 40 years late.
They are among the “back-up boys of ‘66” who will be honoured by Gordon Brown at Downing Street after a long campaign to recognise the squad players who missed out on the Wembley final.
Callaghan, a Toxteth-born winger, played in one of the early games of the 1966 tournament, but fell victim to a change of tactics that saw England become the “wingless wonders”.
Left-back Byrne – who, like Callaghan, spent his entire playing career at Anfield – unfortunately never made it onto the pitch throughout the tournament.
A medal will also be awarded to Manchester United winger John Connelly, who began his career at his home-town club of St Helens, in the Lancashire Combination League.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Brown told the Daily Post: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan and the other players to Downing Street.
“It is absolutely right we recognise their role in England’s 1966 World Cup success – one of our finest sporting moments.
“They are real football heroes and have made this country proud.”
