Sir Bobby Charlton's 1966 World Cup semi-final shirt to be auctioned

The signed top was worn by the football icon in the Three Lions’ 2-1 win over Portugal, with Charlton scoring both of the goals to set up a clash with West Germany in the final.

The shirt was put up for auction before Sir Bobby’s death, aged 86, as a result of a fall at The Willows care home in Knutsford.

It is being sold by Derbyshire-based Hansons Auctioneers on November 14, with a guide price of £50,000-80,000.

David Wilson-Turner, head of sports memorabilia at Hansons, said: “England has some of the most passionate football fans in the world and I’m sure many would love to own Sir Bobby’s shirt.

“It deserves to excel because not only was it worn by one of the greatest England players of all time, it marks a magical moment in sporting history, the one and only time England have won the World Cup.

“England’s epic 4-2 victory over West Germany took place 57 years ago. Nevertheless, fans constantly reminisce about 1966, the year England was recognised as the best footballing nation in the world.”

READ MORE: Sir Bobby Charlton's death was accidental, inquest hears

Sir Bobby scored two goals to secure a 2-1 win over Portugal, booking England's place in the final (Image: PA)

The shirt was originally donated by Sir Bobby to a charity auction after the 1966 World Cup.

Mr Wilson-Turner holds some hope that it could break the record set by Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God shirt’ worn in the match against England at the 1986 World Cup, which sold for £7.1m in 2022.

“That was the highest price ever paid for a piece of sports memorabilia. In honour of Sir Bobby’s passing it would be wonderful to see his number nine shirt exceed all expectations,” said Mr Wilson-Turner.

“Hopefully we can give this item the justice it deserves.”

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, added: “News of (Sir Bobby’s) loss came as a huge shock to us all. We were deeply saddened. He was a football legend admired by millions.

“This was the shirt worn by an iconic player whose goals put England into the World Cup final and beat Eusebio’s Portugal.

“It’s a tribute, it’s a memory and Sir Bobby’s legacy will live on.

“I hope it’s bought by the National Football Museum and put on permanent display or, perhaps, Manchester United.

“It’s an ever-present reminder of what Sir Bobby did for his country.”

Until July Sir Bobby had been living at an address off Chelford Road in Knutsford.

He then moved to the The Willows to receive respite care for dementia.

An inquest in Warrington on November 1, it was heard how Sir Bobby lost his balance and fell on October 16, striking a windowsill and possibly a radiator as he did so.

He died five days later, on October 21.

Care for Sir Bobby at the nursing home saw him have one-to-one support from staff at all hours of the day, with the inquest hearing that Sir Bobby 'needed support with all aspects of daily living.'

It was also said that Sir Bobby's care at the nursing home involved his bed being as close to the ground as possible, with crash mats and motion sensors in place, too - this was due to his restlessness making him likely to roll out of his bed.