Gordon Banks, England's 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, dies aged 81

The news was revealed in a statement from the Banks family on Stoke City's website.

That meant the end of Banks' illustrious career in England at the age of just 34, although he did enjoy a swansong in the North American Soccer League, representing Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 1977 and 1978 and renewing acquaintances with the likes of George Best, Pele and Carlos Alberto.

Gordon Banks, England's 1966 World Cup winning goalkeeper, has died aged 81.

His status as an all-time great may have been sealed at the 1966 World Cup, but it was the save Gordon Banks produced to deny Pele four years later which became his defining moment on the worldwide stage.

During his global career, he won 73 caps and played in two World Cups, and between 1966 and 1971 he was named Fifa's Goalkeeper Of The Year for six consecutive years.

'Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died, ' Lineker said.

He was one of the stars of England's 1966 World Cup final triumph against West Germany.

"Had the pleasure of meeting him a number of times and he was one of the game's true gentlemen, not to mention one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time".

England's official Twitter account wrote: "We're deeply saddened to hear that Gordon Banks, our #WorldCup-winning goalkeeper, has passed away".

Banks may be gone but his legacy remains intact, with current England squad members Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire leading the tributes to the Three Lions "legend".

"The loss of the greatest goalkeeper of all time, a true gentleman and loyal Stoke City legend".

"We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time".

Banks' former England team-mate and successor between the stick Peter Shilton was devastated with the news, tweeted: "I'm devastated - today Ive lost my hero our condolences to his family rip Gordon". "All my thoughts with the family".