Alan Ball was the youngest member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning side, a red-haired midfielder of boundless energy whose tireless work down the right helped subdue West Germany in the final. His engine, competitive fire and range of passing set the tempo for club and country alike.
At Everton he was the heartbeat of a title-winning team, before further service at Arsenal and Southampton. Few players married relentless industry with such genuine craft, and his voice on the pitch was as influential as his feet.