England men’s over-75s have become football world champions – with the Guernseyman captaining the side, scoring them three hat tricks, saying he was “so proud” of the team’s achievement.
The squad beat the host side, Wales, in a penalty shoot-out to win the Veterans Football World Cup 2024.
England captain Geoff Martel said: “I can feel it more now than at the time. With 30 seconds to go, we were at 3-3, I was not enjoying it at that point.”
Mr Martel added that winning for England was “lovely and brilliant” and he was “thrilled” to have won the first male tournament world cup since 1966, even if it was for over-75s.
The competition took place over four days, finishing on 23 August.
The event, also including teams from Australia, Norway, Germany and Denmark, was held Cardiff University’s pitches, in the Llanrumney area of the Welsh capital.
Wales 2024 was the fifth edition of the world’s largest international football tournament for players over the age of 70.
England took 13 players to compete in the event, with a combined age of more than 1,000.
Mr Martel said: “All the team were so proud.”
He continued: “You are never going to get anywhere unless you have a squad who will work together.”