Soccer: Charlton leads tributes to voice of '66

England's 1966 World Cup heroes have led the tributes to Kenneth Wolstenholme, who has died at the age of 81.

Wolstenholme wrote his name into sporting history as the BBC's commentator for England's victory over West Germany at Wembley.

It was there that he uttered the line: "They think it's all over... it is now!" as Geoff Hurst scored the final goal of a 4-2 extra-time win.

Bobby Charlton said: "I'm very, very sad. He loved the game and he was good at what he did. He had a marvellous voice which everybody remembers, and of course, those very famous words.

"He created the picture. Sixty-six is not just about the players, it's about Kenneth Wolstenholme as well. All the lads will be very, very sad.

"He always seemed to have been included whenever we got together, and I'm very sorry to hear that he's gone.

"But he's there forever, his words are there forever. He's down in history, and not every person can say that."

Former Ireland manager Jack Charlton, who was also part of Alf Ramsey's victorious side, added: "I knew Ken very well. After he made that remark in 1966, he was invited to every occasion there was in London.

"Wherever we were, he would turn up and he just became a good friend. We had a drink together and we had a laugh together over the years.

"He was always around with the '66 lads wherever we went, and it's very sad. He became part of the club. I'm very upset. He was a lovely man and all the lads will miss him."