World Cup winner dies

ENGLAND legend Alan Ball has died at the age of 61.

The World Cup winner passed away last night after a suspected heart attack.

Hampshire Police have confirmed Ball was trying to tackle a bonfire that had got out of control when he collapsed and died.

Ball won 72 caps for his country during a 10-year international career and lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966.

Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick at Wembley as England beat West Germany 4-2, led the tributes to his former team-mate.

He said: "Alan was the youngest member of the team and man of the match in the 1966 World Cup final.

"Socially he was always a good laugh and the 1966 team mixed a lot after then.

"We are all totally devastated."

Hurst informed other members of the World Cup-winning side this morning and has asked to be left alone.

A box-to-box midfielder, Ball was a key member of manager Sir Alf Ramsey's 'Wingless Wonders' and was awarded an MBE in 2000 for his services to football.

Alan Mullery, another of Ball's former England team-mates, said: "He was such a bouncy and lively, young 61-year-old.

"He was the life and soul of everything. It is shocking news.

"I played with him in Mexico (in the 1970 World Cup). He was a loveable character and had a heart of gold.

"He lived football and loved playing for his country. It is such a shock. At 61, he was a fit little fellow."