THE World Cup winner's medal awarded to England hero Alan Ball has sold at auction for £200,000.

The former Saints midfielder was just 21 when he made history with the Three Lions as they beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley.

The success is the only men’s senior tournament win in the country’s history, while Gareth Southgate’s men can compete for the prize in Qatar this month.

The medal was sold alongside Ball's red World Cup final shirt, which raised £130,000, and cap, which sold for £115,000.

Ball played for Everton, Blackpool and Arsenal before he was signed to Saints by legendary manager Lawrie McMenemy. He also went on to manage the side briefly.

Ball was born in Farnworth, Lancashire and died in 2007 at the age of 61. He sold his medal and cap at auction in 2005, when they were bought by the then-owner of Bolton Wanderers, Eddie Davies.

Kegan Harrison, from Tennants Auctioneers, in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, told BBC Sport: "The 1966 World Cup victory will always be a golden moment in English sporting history.

"We have been honoured to have handled the sale of these extraordinary items. It has been 56 years since that incredible match, but it is still very close to the hearts of all football fans."

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