The life of the former England captain Ray Wilkins was celebrated at St Luke’s and Christ Church in Chelsea today.

England manager Gareth Southgate and former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson led the tributes to Ray Wilkins following his death at the age of 61.

It is hard to imagine now, in this era of micro-managed media opportunities, that a generation ago, football reporters could routinely shoot the breeze with leading players, without an agenda, tape recorder, or press officer in sight.

Frank Lampard, Gary Lineker and Didier Drogba have been among those sending best wishes to former England midfielder Ray Wilkins who is critically ill in hospital following a heart attack, according to reports.

Support for same-sex marriage; a new scheme aimed at getting long-term unemployed back to work; Ukrainian politics descends into mass brawl and ex-Chelsea captain's battle with depression revealed, in the Lunchtime Report.