THREE of England's World Cup-winning 1966 team are suffering from Alzheimer's - raising fears their brains were damaged by heading heavy footballs...

Three members of the legendary 1966 World Cup winning football team are suffering from Alzheimer's disease, it has been revealed.

Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles and Ray Wilson celebrated their win against West Germany almost 50 years ago, but are now battling the devastating illness - prompting fears their brains were damaged by heading heavy footballs.

There are now concerns the trio may miss the 50th anniversary celebrations planned for later this year.

A top neuroscientist has called for more research into the impact heading the leather case balls could have had.

Dr Michael Grey said microdamage to the brain can result in dementia, reported The Mirror.

Legendary World Cup goalkeeper Gordon Banks said: 'As a team we remain great friends and have kept in touch, but it is getting harder to meet up with some of the guys now because they are not well. Full story...

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