Sir Geoff Hurst has led the tributes to his World Cup-winning team-mate Martin Peters, who has died at the age of 76.

Former West Ham and Tottenham midfielder Peters, who scored England’s second goal in the 1966 final against West Germany, died in his sleep on Saturday morning following a long battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

Peters was part of the Hammers trio of captain Bobby Moore and Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-2 victory at Wembley, in Sir Alf Ramsey’s side.

Peter Shilton, a former England team-mate of Peters, described him on Twitter as “such a gentleman” and said he was “very fond of him”, while former England and Tottenham forward Gary Lineker hailed him as “a great player and a true gentleman”.

Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee told Sky Sports News: “First and foremost he was a fantastic player. I’m really sad, I knew him well, he worked for the club and I got to know him as a friend. As a West Ham man it’s really, really sad news.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Peters’ death as “very sad news”, adding on Twitter: “No England fan will ever forget the heroics of Martin Peters and his fantastic teammates. My sympathies go out to all of those who knew and loved him.”

Tottenham and the Football Association also paid tribute to Peters, the fifth member of England’s World Cup winning team to have died, along with Moore, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson and Gordon Banks.

FA Chairman Greg Clarke paid his own tribute to Peters, saying in a statement: “This is terribly sad news and my thoughts are with Martin’s family and friends.

“He will forever be remembered as part of our wonderful 1966 World Cup-winning side, scoring the second goal at Wembley in the famous 4-2 victory against West Germany.

“What was particularly remarkable was that he only made his debut just before the tournament but Martin soon proved why Sir Alf Ramsey’s faith in him was justified.

“He went on to become one of our finest midfielders and I know football fans everywhere – and not just at the clubs he served so well – will mourn his passing.”