England manager Gareth Southgate has led the tributes to Ray Clemence, who died on Sunday at the age of 72.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham goalkeeper Clemence won 61 caps for the Three Lions before going on to become their goalkeeping coach for more than a decade.
He also spent time overseeing England's development team set-up, where he worked with Southgate in the latter's role as The FA's head of elite development.
Speaking ahead of England's UEFA Nations League fixture in Belgium, Southgate said of Clemence: "He's been a wonderful servant for English football – both for two massive clubs and for England as well.
"He was an incredible goalkeeper and also represented England for a long time as a coach and behind the scenes at The FA. He was a very special man, and my thoughts are with his family – with Vee (Clemence's wife) and his children. I've got to know them reasonably well over the years and I know he's had some really difficult battles with illness. It's a very sad day."
Southgate's comments were echoed by technical director Les Reed, who said: "This is terribly sad news and my thoughts are with his wife and family.
"My personal history with Ray goes back to coaching with England during Kevin Keegan’s time in charge and he combined that role with becoming our head of goalkeeping at The FA.
"I worked very closely with him for a number of years and we had a lot of good times, and I have so many wonderful memories. He was respected by everyone in the game and was a real gentleman.
"Of course, Ray made a significant contribution during his playing days as well. We all remember those competitive years between him and Peter Shilton later in his career with England, and he always gave outstanding service to the clubs he served.
"He was simply one of the finest goalkeepers this country has ever produced, a wonderful coach and a great man. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of getting to know him and all those who had the pleasure of watching him play."
Further tributes to Clemence flowed from players who worked under him with England, including the likes of Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart, David Seaman, Jack Butland and David James:
England managers of the past were also quick to pay homage to Clemence, including Sven-Goran Eriksson, who said: "As a player, he was one of the best ever but to work together with him? That was fantastic.
"That's why I was very keen to keep him as long as I was manager of England. He was positive, he was happy, he spread good humour around him and he was very skilful at what he was doing.
"I trusted him 110 per cent, so he was a great man for me – not only as a professional but as a friend."
Fabio Capello also paid tribute to Clemence, adding: "Ray was a fantastic person and a good friend.
"He was a very important member of the England coaching staff, liked and respected by everyone. When I first arrived in England I remembered Ray as a brilliant goalkeeper with Liverpool, Tottenham and the national team.
"He was also an excellent goalkeeper coach and agentleman who had a great sense of humour. We often played golf together with Sir Trevor Brooking, which I always enjoyed.
"I really appreciated his knowledge and loyal support while I was the England manager. He will be greatly missed and I would like to send my deepest condolences to all of Ray’s family."
