John Barnes has spoken of his pride at being featured in a special set of stamps to commemorate The FA’s 150th anniversary year.

Barnes, an FA150 ambassador, is one of seven England stars from the past to be featured in the eleven-strong Football Heroes collection. He is joined by Gordon Banks, Bobby Moore, Kevin Keegan, Bryan Robson, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves and admitted the achievement had left him speechless.

He said: “We all know stamps. For me to be on a stamp is just incredible.”

The former Watford and Liverpool winger, who helped kick off The FA’s anniversary celebrations at last month’s launch event, was particularly delighted to take his place alongside Leeds United great John Charles in the legends lineup.

“I am in very good company,” Barnes told the BBC. “Of course, it includes the man my father named me after – John Charles. My middle name is Charles.

“It is a tremendous honour to be involved. The Royal Mail have decided to honour eleven players and as much as I am one of the eleven players I am sure there could have been hundreds of players on it. So it is just a privilege to be involved.”

Barnes, who was back at Wembley for the Brazil victory this week, revealed he hoped the news would encourage his children to start putting pen to paper.

He added: “Of course my kids are all excited. They have started writing letters and so will I.

"I am going to send letters to all my family in Jamaica and America just so they all see me on the stamps. It is fantastic.”

The stamps will be available to buy from 9 May.