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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 following a battle against 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 how proud they were at their 'much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.'

They added he died peacefully with his family by his side.

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

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.   

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.' 

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.' 

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

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.

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

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

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.

More to follow.