ENGLAND'S 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has died, his former club Stoke have announced.

The news was revealed in a statement from the Banks family on the club's official website, www.stokecityfc.com.

It said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.

"We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.

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

Presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted: "Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. @England's World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. #RIPGordon"

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England and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling tweeted: "Of course there was THAT save, but its so much more we are mourning today. RIP Gordon Banks. @England legend, your legacy will live on. All my thoughts with the family."

Banks made 510 league appearances for Chesterfield, Leicester and Stoke and won 73 senior international caps. He was one of the stars of England's 1966 World Cup triumph against West Germany.

He will always be remembered for a remarkable save he made to deny Brazil superstar Pele four years later in Mexico.

Banks lost the sight in his right eye after being injured in a road accident in 1972 and retired at the age of 34 as a result.

Leicester City, for whom Banks played for much of the 1960s, tweeted: "Leicester City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our former goalkeeper Gordon Banks OBE, who has passed away at the age of 81."

Leicester City and England defender Harry Maguire wrote on Twitter: "A World Cup winner, a legend. RIP Gordon Banks."

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos wrote on Twitter: "One of the greats!!!! R.I.P Gordon Banks."

While his club wrote: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of @England World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks."