Jack Charlton was 29 before he made his England debut but there was still time for the no-nonsense defender to famously win the World Cup in 1966.
Until that point Charlton, the older brother of fellow England star Bobby, had just a Second Division title medal to show for his time at Leeds United.
But he played a major role in England's greatest tournament and still clearly remembers the moment that Geoff Hurst's third goal sealed a 4-2 triumph over West Germany in the Final at Wembley.
Charlton said: "I ran the whole length of the field just to get hold of him, but as I came near him he ran off and I was too knackered to follow. "I flopped to my knees, totally exhausted, and my head fell forwards onto my hands. I don't remember saying a prayer - I probably just said something like, 'Thank the Lord that's over'."
Charlton's impressive defensive performances continued the following season when he was named Footballer of the Year and it coincided with a boom in Leeds United's fortunes as they won the League Championship, League Cup and Fairs Cup twice in quick succession.
Just before the end of his playing career, Charlton secured an FA Cup winners' medal when Leeds beat holders Arsenal, in 1972.
A varied managerial career followed as he took charge at clubs such as Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle, before moving back into the international scene with the Republic of Ireland, who he famously led to two World Cups.