BREAKING NEWS: England World Cup winner and former Ireland manager Jack Charlton dies aged 85 

England 1966 World Cup hero Jack Charlton has died at the age of 85.

The former defender, who played for Leeds United with distinction for 21 years and later managed the Republic of Ireland, passed away following a battle against dementia and lymphoma.  

A statement from the Charlton family said: ‘Jack died peacefully on Friday 10 July at the age of 85.

‘He was at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side.

England’s 1966 World Cup-winning hero Jack Charlton (right) has died at the age of 85

A superb defender, Charlton is seen on the ball during England’s famous win over Germany

Charlton spent his whole playing career at Leeds United and later managed Ireland 

‘As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

‘We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.

‘He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.

‘His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories.’

Tributes poured in from football clubs and personalities all over the world. 

Charlton made a club record 773 appearances for Leeds over a span of 21 years between 1952 and 1973 and was regarded as one of the game’s finest defenders.

A delighted Charlton lifts the FA Cup at Wembley after Leeds United beat Arsenal in 1972

In action for Leeds against younger brother Bobby, of Manchester United in January 1969

His defensive performances won Charlton the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1967

He helped the Yorkshire club win the second division title in 1963-64 and then the first division in 1968-69.

This successful Leeds side also won the FA Cup in 1972, the League Cup in 1968 and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups in 1968 and 1971.

Despite not being called into the England team until days before his 30th birthday, Charlton won 35 caps and, playing alongside younger brother Bobby, lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley in 1966.

He also helped England finish third at the 1968 European Championship and in between was voted the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1967.

Charlton is remembered with affection for his achievements managing Republic of Ireland

Charlton pictured in later life attending the funeral of former England keeper Gordon Banks

After hanging up his boots, Charlton worked as a manager, taking Middlesbrough into the top-flight in 1974 before moving on to Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United.

But he is most fondly remembered as Ireland’s manager for a decade from 1986 in which they reached the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup and also qualified for Euro 1988 and the 1994 World Cup.

More to follow.