A SUPERMARKET worker who is retiring after 48 years thinks it’s an omen England will win the World Cup.

Keith Govier started working at what is now the Witney Co-op in 1966, the year England won the coveted trophy.

But since that day when the Three Lions beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley, he has been unable to cheer another triumph.

Now he believes that could all change as he gets ready for retirement soon.

Mr Govier, of Old Witney Road in Eynsham, said: “I’m hoping I will be a good omen because when I started here England won the World Cup and now I’m leaving they could have a good chance with a change in luck.

“I remember watching the final at home because the commentator said at the end ‘they think it’s all over, it is now’. It was a good game.”

The Liverpool fan has worked at the same premises in the High Street but has seen it occupied by different grocery chains, including International, Safeway and Somerfield.

He has worked as a cleaner and in stocking freezers but will call time on June 30, the day he turns 65. By that time England will hope to have qualified from their group, which includes Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica, and the competition will be down to the last eight.

Mr Govier, who is planning a farewell trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park with staff next month, said: “I’m a big football fan and have watched all the tournaments.

“I hope England do well but I think it will be difficult in the heat in Brazil because they won’t be used to it.

“I’ll be watching all the games and I am looking forward to the England v Italy game. I think England will win that game but maybe not the Uruguay game.”

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For the past five years, Mr Govier has worked alongside having dialysis treatment after doctors discovered he had been born with only one kidney.

It followed an incident in which he had a major nose bleed and colleagues took him to the Witney Community Hospital.

Bakery manager Dave Clanfield said: “For all the staff it’s been a great privilege and honour to work with Keith and he has been such an inspration to keep on working throughout his dialysis.

“He has done brilliantly because a lot of people wouldn’t be able to manage both.”

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