A cultured defender with a distinguished playing career at club and international level, Ramsey proved to be one of the most brilliant tacticians of his era when he turned to coaching first with Ipswich Town, then with England.

Ipswich's triumph in 1962 in their first season in the top flight astounded the soccer world and earned Ramsey an awesome reputation as a masterly tactician.

He took over the national team in 1963, making the one rash move of his career by confidently predicting that England would win the World Cup as hosts in 1966.

A quiet and taciturn character, who spurned dealings with the media as much as he could, Ramsey had to endure endless taunts about his prophecy but always insisted he would be proved right in the end.

He attracted numerous critics by drasticallychanging the style of the England team, shunning the conventional two-winger system and playing a then unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation.

Many thought England could only succeed with their traditional game of high crosses aimed at the foreheads of tall bustling forwards.

But Ramsey had other ideas and his Wingless Wonders lifted the World Cup as he had predicted. His side, with the notable exceptions of captain Bobby Moore and playmaker Bobby Charlton lacked panache but the work rate and team spirit were unrivalled.

England's 4-2 extra time victory over West Germany at Wembley in the final remains the nation's greatest sporting moment.

Ramsey had little time for gifted individuals who would not submit to his insistence on strict discipline on and off the field and acquired an authority that was absolute.

Yet he contrived to build a better and more attractive team for the 1970 finals when more success beckoned.

But his England wilted in the Mexican sun, throwing away a two-goal lead before losing to oldrivals West Germany 3-2 in the quarter-finals.

Ramsey's star began to wane and a 1-1 draw with Poland at Wembley in 1973 which cost England the chance of reaching the 1974 World Cup finals ultimately led to his downfall.

A courteous and correct man, he was unceremoniously sacked as England manager 25 years ago and remained bitter about the furtive manner in which it was done.

``It was the most devastating half-hour of my life,'' he said. ``I stood in a room almost full of staring committee men. It was just like I was on trial. I thought I was going to be hanged. Typically, I was never given one reason for the sack.''

His record for England was remarkable -- 69 victories in 113 matches to 27 draws and just 17 defeats.

An attacking right-back who specialised in free kicks and penalties, Ramsey appeared 32 times for England, captaining the side in the absence of Billy Wright.