London, Jan 22 (IANS): Former England captain and Blackpool Football Club Vice President Jimmy Armfield passed away on Monday at the age of 82 after a long battle against cancer.

The right-back won 43 caps for England between 1959 and 1966 and captained his country on 15 occasions. He also helped his national team clinch the FIFA World Cup in 1966.

The Blackpool legend, who was an one-club man, represented the side 627 times from 1954 to 1971 in his 17 years marathon spell.

"Blackpool Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Armfield," the club said.

A statement from the family, according to the Mirror said: "After a long and courageous battle, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law Jimmy Armfield, has passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family."

Armfield was awarded the Young Player of the Year in 1959. He was also heralded as the best right-back in the world following the 1962 World Cup in Chile.