England players pay tribute to Gordon Banks

England’s current crop of players have been paying tribute to World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks, who has died aged 81.

Almost 53 years have passed since Banks, along with the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton, lifted the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions came as close as any England team to emulating the 1966 side when they reached the semi-finals of last year’s tournament.

And members of Southgate’s squad, beaten 2-1 by Croatia in the last four, have been paying their respects to the only England goalkeeper to win the World Cup.

Current England skipper Harry Kane tweeted: “Very sad to hear the news of
Gordon Banks passing away. An @England legend, World Cup winner and made one of the best saves ever. Rest in peace.”

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling also referenced Banks’ famous save from Pele at the 1970 World Cup, adding on Twitter: “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.”

Current Three Lions keeper Jordan Pickford said: “One of the greatest saves of all time.

“RIP Gordon Banks. A true legend of the game. All my thoughts with your family and friends at this difficult time.”

Harry Maguire, a defender for one of Banks’ former clubs Leicester, said: “A World Cup winner, a legend. RIP Gordon Banks.”

Striker Jamie Vardy, a Premier League title winner with the Foxes,  posted a photograph of ‘that’ save.

Vardy wrote: “Legend…. RIP Gordon Banks.”

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek added his own tribute.

“Really sad to hear of the passing of Gordon Banks,” he said. “A true @England legend.”

And Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard said: “World Cup Winner & A True @England Legend! #RIPGordon.”

Banks made 510 league appearances for Chesterfield, Leicester and Stoke and won 73 caps for England.