Gordon Astall, 93, former England international dies from illness

- Gordon Astall has finally given up the ghost at the age of 93

- He made just two appearances for the England national team in 1956, soiring on his debut

- Astall had spells with Southampton, Plymouth and Birmingham

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Gordon Astall after the former England international died at the age of 93, cited on The Sun.

The former Birmingham star made a scoring debut against Finland and his second England cap was during a win over world champions West Germany.

Astall had a spell with the Royal Marines and another amateur stint with Southampton before joining Plymouth in 1947 where spent six years at the club.

It was when he was at Birmingham he earned his first England call-up after helping the Blues win the Second Division title and reaching the FA Cup final.

The Three Lions website wrote:

"We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Astall, who represented the Three Lions in 1956 and was our oldest surviving international, at the age of 93.

"All of our thoughts are with Gordon’s family, friends and former clubs."

A Plymouth Argyle statement read: "Plymouth Argyle is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former winger Gordon Astall, aged 93."

Fellow former club Birmingham tweeted:

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

The Championship side's supporters' association Blues Trust commented:

"Blues Trust are saddened to hear of the death yesterday (21st Oct) of former player Gordon Astall, our condolences to his family RIP."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Bruno Martini, France legendary goalkeeper has passed on at the age of 58 after suffering from cardiac arrest, BBC reports.

Martini made 31 appearances for Les Bleus and was number one in goal during the Euro 1992 Championships in Sweden.

The former Montpellier star was in between the sticks for France between 1999 and 2000 where he was part of the side that won Euro 200 and World Cup runners-up in 2006.

He made 139 appearances for Auxerre and another 113 matches for Montpellier in his glittering career as a goalkeeper.

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Source: Legit.ng