Wayne Rooney says “something needs to change” as too many former footballers are dying of dementia.

Nobby Stiles, like Rooney a former Manchester United and England player, died at the age of 78 last month, having been diagnosed with dementia and prostate cancer.

The death of the 1966 World Cup winner and the news team-mate Sir Bobby Charlton had also been diagnosed with dementia saw a renewed call for more investigations into the issues of head impacts and an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease.

He added: “I remember (as a young player) we used to play with a smaller, lighter ball, so there is a way, especially with the better technology.

“We had a great exercise. The ball was on a rope and you were heading it all the time, but that ball doesn’t have to be a proper ball.

“It is not about the ball but the opposition and your timing. It is about your leap and jump.

“If I think about it now I would say why not stop it completely? The kids can have a ball, but maybe a plastic, soft ball or a sponge ball.”