ON the day James Tarkowski was placed on Gareth Southgate’s standby list following England’s World Cup squad announcement, Latics have paid tribute to another of its former defenders – Ray Wilson, who has died at the age of 83.

Wilson, a member of the historic 1966 World Cup-winning side, made 25 appearances for Athletic between 1969 and 1970.

The left-back, who played in all six of England’s tournament matches in ’66, had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

In a statement, the club said: “Oldham Athletic are saddened to learn of the passing of World Cup winner Ray Wilson.

“The club would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Ray at this very sad time.”

Wilson won 63 England caps, spending the majority of his career at Huddersfield Town, before moving to Everton, Athletic and finally ending his career at Bradford City.

Latics legend Joe Royle, who made his Everton debut the same season Wilson helped the Toffees win the FA Cup – also in 1966 – was among many former team-mates to heap praise on the Derbyshire-born defender.

Royle told the BBC: “He is a World Cup winner and played in the last England team that had four, maybe five, world-class players. He was certainly one of those.

"He was the best of his kind at the time. And he was a top guy, always there with a smile or a helpful word. I played a few reserve games with Ray and it was like listening to a maestro. He knew his stuff."

Alf Ramsey’s England side remains the only one to have lifted the World Cup in the country’s history.

The Three Lions embark on their latest quest to change that record in Russia next month.

Barring injuries to key defenders in the 23-man squad, Burnley star Tarkowski won’t be a part of it despite a promising debut against Italy in a 1-1 draw in March.

The former Failsworth High School student who made 89 appearances for Latics between 2011 and 2014, had impressed in the Wembley friendly until he fell victim to controversial VAR technology when he was adjudged to have brought down Grederico Chiesa in the box.

A penalty was eventually awarded after the referee saw a video replay of the incident with three minutes to go.

The full England squad is: Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley).

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

Standby: Lewis Cook (Bournemouth), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jake Livermore (West Brom), James Tarkowski (Burnley).