Sir Geoff Hurst feels England's tremendous journey under Gareth Southgate has proved reward for the manager's faith in young players who had "hardly kicked a ball" in the Premier League.

The Three Lions continued progress from reaching the World Cup semi-finals by finishing third in the inaugural Nations League during the summer.

England will resume their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign out to extend a 100 per cent start with fixtures against Bulgaria at Wembley and then Kosovo in Southampton.

Hurst hopes his continued work with the Alzheimer's Society can help raise awareness and fund vital research against dementia, which has afflicted some of his former England team-mates.

"A number of my World Cup colleagues from 1966 are suffering from this dreaded disease, Martin Peters currently and also Nobby Stiles, while Ray Wilson, who was diagnosed with it, passed away some time ago," said Hurst, who will be part of the Cheltenham Memory Walk at Pittville Park on October 13.

"Gordon Banks did not suffer, but worked very hard for the society for a number of years, so it is very easy for me to be motivated to be an ambassador to create awareness."

Hurst added: "It is not the person who has it, they are not aware, it is the people that are living with it and supporting the person they love, or grew up with and admire. It is simply awful."

:: Every penny raised through Memory Walk will help Alzheimer's Society find a cure, improve care and support people affected by dementia – register now at memorywalk.org.uk