England 1966 World Cup winner and former Ireland manager Jack Charlton dies aged 85 after battling with lymphoma and dementia - as football fans and stars ask why was football 'legend' never knighted?

• Charlton died peacefully at his home in Northumberland with his family by his side on Friday at the age of 85
• The defender was part of England's famous 1966 World Cup-winning side alongside his brother Bobby
• He represented Leeds United with distinction for 21 years, playing 773 games between 1952 and 1973
• Charlton is fondly remembered for his decade in charge of the Republic of Ireland from 1986 to 1996
• He led them to the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup staged in Italy before deciding to retire
• Tributes poured in from across football world after the news broke, including from Leeds and former players

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

The former defender passed away at his Northumberland home on Friday after suffering from dementia and lymphoma. 

Charlton, who played for Leeds United with distinction for 21 years and later managed the Republic of Ireland, was the brother of fellow England great Bobby.

A statement from the Charlton family announcing his death expressed their pride at their 'much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.' They added he died peacefully with his loved ones by his side.

The footballing legend is survived by his wife Pat Kemp and their three children. 

Born in coal-mining village of Ashington, Northumberland, in 1935, Charlton was the eldest of four brothers and his father was a miner. The siblings at one point shared the same bed because of the family's tight finances. 

His granddaughters, Kate and Emma Wilkinson, shared their own heartfelt tributes and photos on Twitter, with both saying he was a 'kind and genuine' man.  

Tributes also poured in from the footballing world. His former teammate Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored three goals in the 1966 World Cup final to help England win the trophy, said he was a 'great and loveable character and will  be greatly missed.' 

Leeds, who Charlton played for for his entire career, said they were 'deeply saddened' by his death and the England football team tweeted they were 'devastated' by the news. 

The Premier League said players would wear black armbands and hold a minute's silence before kick-off during this weekend's games in tribute to Charlton. 

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 

The statement from the Charlton family continued: '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.' 

Charlton's granddaughter Kate Wilkinson said in her Twitter tribute: 'Beyond sad to have to say goodbye to my beloved Grandad, Jack Charlton. 

'He enriched so many lives through football, friendship and family. He was a kind, funny and thoroughly genuine man and our family will miss him enormously.'

Her sister Emma added: 'Yesterday was a very sad day. My grandad, Jack Charlton, died peacefully at home.

'He was kind, playful and genuine, and I'll miss him so much. Already seen many lovely messages in his honour. I'll share them with his wife, my grandma Pat, to help her through this difficult time.'

Leeds, for whom Charlton played for for his entire career, also said in a lengthy tribute to the former player that his 'contribution to the game and Leeds United will never be forgotten'.

Charlton's granddaughter Kate Wilkinson said in her Twitter tribute: 'Beyond sad to have to say goodbye to my beloved Grandad, Jack Charlton. He enriched so many lives through football, friendship and family. He was a kind, funny and thoroughly genuine man and our family will miss him enormously'

Her sister Emma added: 'Yesterday was a very sad day. My grandad, Jack Charlton, died peacefully at home. 'He was kind, playful and genuine, and I'll miss him so much. Already seen many lovely messages in his honour. I'll share them with his wife, my grandma Pat, to help her through this difficult time'

They added: 'He will remain in football folklore forever and his records at Leeds United are unlikely ever to be surpassed.'

Sir Geoff Hurst said in his tribute: 'Another sad day for football. Jack was the type of player and person that you need in a team to win a World Cup. 

'He was a great and loveable character and he will be greatly missed . The world of football and the world beyond football has lost one of the greats. RIP old friend.'

Other leading figures in football also payed tribute to the star on Saturday. 

Former England striker and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker tweeted: 'Saddened to hear that Jack Charlton has passed away. 

'World Cup winner with England, manager of probably the best ever Ireland side and a wonderfully infectious personality to boot. RIP Jack.' 

Middlesbrough F.C., whom Charlton managed for four years from 1973 until 1977, tweeted: 'We're deeply saddened to report the passing of Jack Charlton, one of Boro's greatest ever managers.' 

Tributes also poured in from the footballing world for Charlton, who was widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his era

Another of Charlton's former clubs, Newcastle United, tweeted: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NUFC manager and England World Cup winner, Jack Charlton at the age of 85. RIP, Jack. A true legend of the game.'

Lady Elsie Robson, the widow of former Ipswich, Barcelona and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson and friend of Charlton, paid tribute to the former defender.

In a statement she said: 'Jack was a great friend and a wonderful supporter of our cancer charity. He'd come out to events and meet with fundraisers, and people were always so thrilled to meet a World Cup winner.

 'He had such a way about him. He'd just make us all smile. I feel for Pat and the family after their great loss and they have our heartfelt sympathy.'

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

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

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.

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. 

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