England boss Gareth Southgate pays tribute to 'real gentleman' Jimmy Armfield

Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to former England captain Jimmy Armfield, who passed away on Monday aged 82.

The former Blackpool defender won 43 caps for the Three Lions and was part of the World Cup-winning squad of 1966.

After spending his entire playing career with the Tangerines over the course of 17 years, he moved into management with Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United in the 1970s.

But it was as a popular and respected broadcaster in recent years that younger fans may relate to Armfield most, with England manager Southgate admitting he was a fan of his work as a BBC pundit on the radio.

“This is very sad news and my sympathies are with his family and friends,” said Southgate, after hearing the news on Monday.

“I met Jimmy several times over the years. He did some scouting for Terry Venables around Euro 96 and that was the first time I met him.

“It was always great to see him at games, including at Blackpool of course. He was a special football man, a real gentleman who always had time for you.

“To have done what he did as a player and then go on to do so much for the game afterwards is remarkable.

“I was always enthralled by his commentaries on the radio. He had a lovely tone, provided good observations on the game he was watching without ever being too critical or straying into personal comments.

“He had strong opinions but judged it just right every time. I will miss him.”