England’s Over 75s veterans release charity anthem ahead of 1966 World Cup anniversary match with Germany
Football could still be coming home this month
The World Cup may be over, but England have a chance at international glory of a different kind this month. England’s Veteran Over 75s footballers are gearing up to mark the 60th anniversary of England’s victory over Germany with a commemorative match against their European rivals.
The England v Germany match will take place at Boundary Park, Oldham at 3pm on Thursday 30 July 2026, (exactly the same date and time as the World Cup final 60 years ago.) Tickets for the match are on sale now priced at just £5 for adults and, of particular note in the school summer holidays, free for children. England vs Germany Over 75s | England | Germany | Oldham Athletic AFC Tickets
There are 22 players in the England squad with a combined age of over 1600. It will be a standard 90-minute match, played at a running pace rather than the walking format that is more common among this age group.
Ahead of Thursday’s match, the Silver Lions team have released their own anthem ‘England Together.’ The track was produced by Chris Johnson, Course Lead in Music Production at York St John University. It was co-written by Chris and his bandmate Bryan Josh from acclaimed progressive rock band Mostly Autumn. The Silver Lions join in for the infectious chorus singalong.
Listen to ‘England Together’ on Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Pf0UKOIh9t7GKkLHQg
Chris said:
“Recording with the Silver Lions was a real treat. They are such great guys, and we had a lot of laughs. They were all full of good humour, energy and enthusiasm and gave it all in their performances in the studio. A squad full of top performers, I know they’ll deliver for England on the pitch as well!”
Chris says inspiration struck while watching the World Cup:
“Seeing recent scenes in the World Cup of the players singing with the fans all together, united by the shared experience and feeling that human connection. And knowing people all over the country, and in pockets all over the world, were simultaneously feeling the same way.
“People in pubs or in watch parties at home, or in bars on holiday, all together feeling this thing and united by the football. Having music as part of that and singing a song as an expression of that togetherness is really powerful.
“As England football fans we were deeply inspired by the Silver Lions—their incredible spirit, determination, and lifelong passion for the game, and thought they deserved a rousing anthem. A simple and immediate song but loaded with heart and passion to help the fans rally behind this amazing England team. With their huge rematch against Germany on the horizon, ‘England Together’ is an invitation for the whole country to get involved and show their support. Come on England!”
The anniversary game has been organised by filmmaker and York St John University academic Tracy Willits. Tracy, who is the niece of one of the players, is making a documentary about the team and their road to match fitness. Her film Silver Lions: Football Dreams Never Retire follows the players as they face a raft of health issues but remain committed to representing their country in the beautiful game.
Tracy Willits, Senior Lecture in Media Production at York St John University said:
“The team are highlighting an important message to remain active in later life in order to stay healthier and happier. We also want to be able to support the work of Oldham Athletic Community Trust promoting grassroots football and community programmes and would like people to be able to do this by streaming the single and sharing it on social media.”
Ken Pollock, manager of England Veterans Over 75s said:
“Football has helped me live a longer and happier life and I guess what we are trying to do is to pass a recognition of those advantages onto others. There is a real need for us to be thinking seriously about what we’re doing to keep ourselves fit, to give ourselves healthy and long lives.”
Mike Sweeney, BBC presenter and Silver Lion said:
“It’s a privilege to be playing in this match at my time of life. I’ll be 80 next year and the one thing I’ve realised thank goodness is that you only get one health and you have to take the very best care of that. Because I’m fit and strong my life hasn’t changed much over the last 40 years – I’m doing pretty much everything I did 40 years ago!”
The game is also supported by Sir Geoff Hurst, former England striker and World Cup Winner 1966. He said:
“Marvellous now we’re seeing this game at Oldham, celebrating 60 years. It’s just absolutely fantastic, and I never thought that would happen.”
Support the charity single fundraiser via GoFundMe England Veterans Over 75s raise money for Oldham communities
‘England Together’ is available on all streaming platforms from Monday 20 July.