This was the year Bobby Moore's team defeated West Germany 4-2 in the World Cup final on 30 July, after a nail-biting and controversial match.

But two goals from Geoff Hurst in extra time secured a victory for the home team.

For the first - and only - time since the competition began in 1930, an England player was able to hold the Jules Rimet trophy aloft in triumph.

Your memories of England's triumph:

I remember the final well.

I was born in England and still living there at that time. My Dad was an avid hiker and so we went walking that day. I took along a small Phillips transistor and we huddled under a tree in the pouring rain during the extra time.

A great day, a great win, a great hike. Good memories.
John W Smith, Canada

I remember buying a ten-game season ticket two years prior to the World Cup Finals in 1966 - nine games at Wembley and one at White City.

I was 17 years old at the time.

I recall all of the emotions - singing, cheering and then crying at the final.

Now 40 years later, I regret one thing - not retaining a ticket stub or a programme.

The football in the 1960s was nowhere near as fast and as skillful as it is today, but the heroes of that 1966 final live on in our memories. One day, soon ... maybe ...
Graham Willsher, Canada

I was a football fan in those days, but, never dreaming England would even get past the preliminary rounds, went ahead with plans for an extended trip through Europe.

I was hitch-hiking in central Greece, on my way back from Istanbul, on the day England were playing Germany in the final. I was stuck at a small filling station in the middle of nowhere on a hot dusty day, when a young fellow came out of the office, noticed the union flag stitched on my rucksack, and began laughing and shouting at me.

I had no notion of what he meant until he began running around in the road kicking an imaginary football and then drew an outline of a "cup" in the dust.

He pointed at my flag, and shook my hand and I finally understood - England had won the world cup!

I will recall that moment for the rest of my days.
Jim F Goater, Japan

I remember the day England won the world cup very well, as it was my 15th birthday and I was on holiday on the Isle of Sheppy (sic).

I and a friend tried to get into a pub to watch the match in the childrens tv room, but we were thrown out.

So we had to listen to it on the radio. What suspense! When Germany equalised I thought it was all over, but you should never underestimate England. What hero's. They should have all been knighted!
John Wallis, Australia

My son, Paul was born on May 10th 1966. Lay on my knee during the broadcast of the game, cried when I cheered. After the game I drove into Worthing, Sussex, The main street - normally crowded on a Saturday afternoon - was deserted.
Bob Stone, Canada

I remember going out at half time for an errand and the streets were eerily quiet.

I lived in London E4 and watched the game on TV. Also being a lifelong West Ham United fan I was delighted about contributions of Moore, Hurst and Peters.
Jeffrey Nathan, Thailand

I was 17 when England beat West Germany 4-2.

My whole family watched it on TV except my dad.

He told me later that at half time Bromley high street was deserted and he could have driven down it at 70mph if he wanted.