Jonny's set up for life

Sir Geoff Hurst today offered Jonny Wilkinson a glimpse into the future.

England's 1966 football World Cup hero, scorer of a hat-trick in the extra-time victory over West Germany, said: "I don't think Jonny can have any idea how his life is going to change."

Hurst was a little-known West Ham striker of 24 when his unique achievement at Wembley propelled him to the forefront of global sport. Overnight he became internationally famous and, for a decade, was among the most feted stars in world sport.

"Almost everything I've achieved in my sporting and business life since 1966 has been as a direct result of winning the World Cup," said Hurst. "Those three goals have influenced every aspect of my life.

"When I went home the day after I had no idea how profoundly things were about to change.

"It was a slow process and probably all the more enjoyable for that because it gave my wife and I time to appreciate our changing circumstances.

"Initially, it was a bit anticlimatic after the match. We'd spent eight weeks together as a squad, won the World Cup and suddenly it was all over. The afternoon following the game I went back with Judith to our semi in Hornchurch, cut the lawn and washed the car.

"But I quickly came to realise that many elements of my new fame were enjoyable, though I learned not to take a big name reputation too seriously. My advice to Jonny Wilkinson is: don't change; be yourself."