It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of John Cowen, who played in goal for Watford during the 1960s.

John transferred to Watford from Chelsea in 1964 and went on to make 17 appearances before his departure in 1967.

He retired from full-time football aged 22 but did play for Gravesend & Northfleet in the mid-1970s.

An England youth international, he played in goal as the national team beat Northern Ireland in the 1963 European International Youth Tournament final, which was also the first game played at Wembley Stadium under floodlights.

Our thoughts are with John's family and friends.