Jack Charlton, 1966 England World Cjp winner dies aged 85.

Jack Charlton, a World Cup winner with England and former Republic Ireland boss,  and former Leeds defender , who was suffering from lymphoma and dementia has died aged 85.

One of English Football’s most popular characters, was in the team that won the World Cujp at Wembley in 1966, alongside his brother Bobby.

A family statement red  “As well as a friend to many, he was much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jack died peacefully on Friday, July 10, at the age of 85. He as at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side. 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.”

The England Football team tweeted to say they were “devastated” by the new while he was hailed as a man who “changed Irish Football forever” by the Football Association of Ireland.

Charlton had spells in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Newcastle. He led the Republic of Ireland to their first major finals at Euro88 and the World Cup quarter finals at Italia 90.

He spent his entire 21-year playing career at Leeds United  and  made a joint record 773 appearances before retiring  as a player in 1973.  Leeds United said they were “deeply saddened”.

He is survived by wife Pat, whom he married in 1958, and their three children, John, Deborah and Peter. Chalrton’s granddaughter, journalist Emma Wilkinson tweeted “Beyond sad to have to say goodbye to my beloved Grandad, Jack Charlton.