One of the very greatest - Charlton, Southgate & Hurst lead Banks tributes

England great Bobby Charlton described his pride at playing alongside Gordon Banks after the World Cup-winning goalkeeper passed away aged 81.

As well as starring for Leicester City and Stoke City, Banks earned 73 caps for his country and was England's starting goalkeeper as they won the World Cup on home soil in 1966.

One of Banks' saves at the following tournament in 1970, from Brazil great Pele, is widely acknowledged as one of the finest stops of all time.

And both the final triumph and Banks' individual heroics against Brazil were referenced by many fellow sporting icons as they reflected on his life on Tuesday, with Charlton still unable to comprehend the Pele save.

"Gordon was a fantastic goalkeeper, without doubt one of the best England has ever had," Charlton said.

"I was proud to call him a team-mate. Obviously we shared that great day in 1966 but it was more than that. Even though I was on the pitch and have seen it many times since, I still don't know how he saved that header from Pele.

"Gordon will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."

We’re deeply saddened to hear that Gordon Banks, our #WorldCup-winning goalkeeper, has passed away. Our thoughts are with Gordon’s friends, family and supporters at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/nbzncYBCFA

— England (@England) February 12, 2019

England manager Gareth Southgate added in a statement: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Gordon's passing.

"An all-time great for England, I was privileged enough to be in his company on a number of occasions. It was particularly special to be with him at a Football Writers' tribute dinner last year and wish him well on his 80th birthday.

"Gordon spoke to the room about that incredible save from Pele against Brazil back in 1970 and moments like that from his remarkable World Cup-winning career will continue to linger long in the memory.

"On behalf of everyone connected with England, I send my condolences to his wife Ursula, his family and friends."

As well as helping the #ThreeLions to glory in 1966, Gordon will be remembered for THAT save against Brazil four years later. A true England legend pic.twitter.com/RTDZKaMKBt

— England (@England) February 12, 2019

Several other stars past and present took to social media on Tuesday to announce their sadness at Banks' passing.

Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 final, described the goalkeeper as "one of the very greatest".

"Very sad to hear the news that Gordon has died. One of the very greatest," he wrote on Twitter. "Thinking especially of Ursula, Julia, Wendy and Robert. Sad for football, Stoke City and for England fans. Will be very sadly missed."

Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne and some notable adversaries also added their condolences.

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

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 12, 2019

So sorry to hear the news of my good friend gordon banks who passed away a few hrs ago myself and ⁦@Shanewh1tfield⁩ and all at kong events send our condolences what a loss & an unbelievable goal keeper & an incredible man a really true gentleman RIP mate xxGAZZAxxx pic.twitter.com/GvkHzb8Dyz

— Paul Gascoigne (@Paul_Gascoigne8) February 12, 2019

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 pic.twitter.com/iyAKdH2Mfm

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) February 12, 2019

Legend..... RIP Gordon Banks pic.twitter.com/mrClVqJmUk

— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) February 12, 2019

Sad to hear that Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81. Had the pleasure of meeting him a number of times and he was one of the game's true gentlemen, not to mention one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/yj4JYZIaag

— michael owen (@themichaelowen) February 12, 2019

A fierce opponent and a good man. Rest in peace, Gordon Banks #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/lAGgAulKuO

— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) February 12, 2019

RIP Gordon Banks A incredible keeper and it was a joy to have met and worked with him A true gentleman

— Neville Southall (@NevilleSouthall) February 12, 2019

Sad to hear that Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81. One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Rest In Peace. #RIPGordonBanks #66 pic.twitter.com/YDcu4nKyQx

— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) February 12, 2019