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England's 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks dies after losing long battle with cancer

World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has died at the age of 81.

The former Stoke and Leicester City goalkeeper was part of the famous England side who lifted the World Cup in 1966.

Banks passed away with family at his side after his health deteriorated significantly in recent weeks and he leaves behind wife Ursula and their three children Julia, Robert and Wendy.

He endured battles with cancer for many years and in recent months had been undergoing gruelling spells of chemotherapy.

Legendary England 1966 World Cup winner Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81
Banks is seen as the finest England goalkeeper ever as he played a key role in the 1966 success
Pictured with wife Ursula in 2016, Banks lost battle with cancer after battling in recent years
Banks makes his famous spectacular save from a downward header by Pele in the 1970 World Cup group stages
Banks watches on during a game in 1967. He played for Chesterfield, Leicester City, Stoke City and Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Many of his old Stoke team-mates had been visiting him at his home in Madeley in the hope of inspiring one more recovery, but to no avail this time.