Stephanie Moore OBE expresses optimism for England’s chances and praises the current team ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final match against FranceStephanie Moore OBE, widow of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore, has expressed her belief that the Three Lions will defeat France in the upcoming quarter-final and go on to lift the World Cup trophy.
Speaking after receiving an award at Windsor Castle, Mrs Moore shared her enthusiasm for Gareth Southgate’s team. “I think Bobby would be thrilled with this team,” she said. “They’re young, dynamic, and Gareth is doing an excellent job. I think they can go all the way.”
Reflecting on what Bobby Moore would have thought of the current squad, she added, “He would have been very proud of them. Football was his life, and I know he would have been excited to see such a vibrant and talented team.”
Regarding England’s prospects in the tournament, she remains optimistic. “Why not? This World Cup has been full of surprises. I truly believe they can win,” she stated.
Mrs Moore also used the occasion to highlight her work with The Bobby Moore Fund, which she established after her husband’s tragic death from bowel cancer in 1993. The fund, under Cancer Research UK, has raised nearly £30 million for research.
At the ceremony, she was honoured for her dedication to cancer research, and she also discussed Dame Deborah James, the late cancer campaigner, with Prince William, who praised her selfless efforts to raise awareness for bowel cancer.
Sheila Parker MBE, the first captain of the England women’s football team, was also recognised at the event. She offered her advice to the current England men’s team, but stated that the Lionesses, who won Euro 2022, are playing better football than the men’s side.
Other notable recipients at the ceremony included NHS England’s National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, Olympic gold medallists Eilidh McIntyre and Bethany Shriever, and wheelchair rugby champion Ayaz Bhuta..
