Tributes paid as former England defender and Bolton Wanderers legend Tommy Banks dies, aged 94

Tommy Banks, presumably the EnglandThe oldest living former international has died at the age of 94.

Banks represented England six times during his career, making his debut against the Soviet Union in Moscow in 1958.

The left back was part of manager Walter Winterbottom’s squad for the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden in the same year.

Banks had helped Bolton Wanderers win the FA Cup final in May, when the club won 2-0 against Manchester United.

With Captain Nat Lofthouse’s double, Bolton triumphed in front of 100,000 fans at Wembley.

Former Bolton Wanderers and England defender Tommy Banks has died aged 94

Banks played a key role in Bolton’s 1958 FA Cup-winning side which defeated Man United at Wembley

Banks played 255 games for Bolton before leaving the club as a representative in 1961 Altrincham and Bangor City prior to his retirement.

He returned to his hometown of Farnworth after retiring from football.

Banks was diagnosed with dementia in 2022.

‘Everyone there Bolton Wanderers is deeply saddened by the passing of club legend Tommy Banks, aged 94,” said a statement from Bolton.

‘A member of our 1958 FA Cup winning side, Tommy’s name will be forever etched in Wanderers history.

“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Bolton Wanderers are with Tommy’s family and friends.

‘Out of respect, the club will be lowering the flags outside Toughsheet Community Stadium to half-mast from tomorrow morning (Friday 14 June).’

The FA also paid tribute to Banks on social media, writing: ‘We are saddened to hear that Tommy Banks has passed away at the age of 94.

‘Tommy won six caps and represented the Three Lions at the 1958 World Cup.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.”