England and Gary Lineker along with football world mourn Nobby Stiles as tributes paid to Man Utd icon after death at 78

ENGLAND and Gary Lineker led the tributes from the football family for World Cup-winner Nobby Stiles who died aged 78.

The former Manchester United player passed away today after a long illness.

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Tributes have poured in for former Manchester United and England man Nobby Stiles who died aged 78[/caption]

PA:Press Association

The former midfielder passed away after a long battle with illness but was fondly remembered by many on social media[/caption]

He played a crucial role in the Three Lions’ only tournament win in 1966 – before famously dancing on the Wembley pitch after beating West Germany in the final.

Players past and present as well as the wider football world flooded social media with messages of condolences for the Stiles family and their memories of the holding midfielder following the tragic news.

Former England striker and Match of the Day host Lineker said: “Saddened to hear that Nobby Stiles has passed away.

“Another of our 1966 World Cup winning heroes leaves us. He had a heart that was even bigger than the gap in his teeth. RIP Nobby.”

England’s official Twitter account wrote: “We’re incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Nobby Stiles, a key member of our @FIFAWorldCup
-winning squad, at the age of 78. All of our thoughts are with Nobby’s loved ones.”

United and England man Marcus Rashford replied with a heartbroken emoji.

Red Devils hero Gary Neville tweeted: “Rest in Peace Nobby. Thank you for all you did for us.

“You taught us how to fight for everything in that red shirt. ‘Your studs are your best friends out there.'”

Danny Higginbotham added: “Such sad news to hear that Nobby Stiles has passed away. I know he was ill for a while but doesn’t take away the shock.

“He was my coach as a kid @ManUtd and what an unbelievably humble human being. A massive influence on myself as a youngster. Thoughts and love with his family.”

Fellow ex-United man Ben Thornley wrote: “Extremely sad to learn of the death of Nobby Stiles.

“It was an honour to be tutored in my early years at Man Utd by, not only a colossus for both club and country, but a gentleman of the highest order. God bless Nobby and to the family you leave behind.”