Sir Bobby Charlton’s iconic red No 9 England shirt given honorary locker space in Wembley dressing room before Three Lions’ win over Malta… as they pay homage to 1966 World Cup winner 

• Gareth Southgate’s side qualified for next summer’s Euros after beating Italy
• Englandand players and fans held a minute of applause for Sir Bobby Charlton
• Southgate’s loyalty to his players is an issue and a weakness – It’s All Kicking Off 

In a touch of class Sir Bobby Charlton’s iconic No 9 shirt was given a honorary space in England’s dressing room before their Euro qualifer against Malta.

Sir Bobby was synonymous with the No 9 shirt, which he wore on his back when England lifted the 1966 World Cup. 

The Manchester United legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play, passed away last month at the age of 86 following a battle with dementia.

He made an incredible 758 appearances for United and represented England on 106 occasions. 

Before the game England reserved a spot for Charlton’s shirt in their dressing room, in an emotional tribute to the Three Lions legend. 

Sir Bobby Charlton’s iconic number nine shirt hung up in England’s dressing room pre-game

A blacka and white photo of Charlton was also on the cover of the matchday programme 

The Manchester United legend passed away last month at 86 after a battle with dementia

England’s players and fans hold a minutes applause in memory of the legendary Sir Bobby 

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Much of the pre-game preparation was in tribute to the legendary Sir Bobby, with the matchday programme proudly displaying a black and white photo of him on the front cover. 

The corner flags were also in black and 90-second video was played to the Wembley crowd before the players came out of the tunnel. 

It displayed several of his highlights from his England career, along with him meeting and speaking with Gareth Southgate at St George’s Park in recent years. 

The players, staff and fans all then engaged in a minute’s applause in darkness with a Sir Bobby tifo held up in the stands as supporters all around the stadium cheered and clapped. 

The tributes come after Sir Bobby’s funeral was held on Monday, with a long guestlist of United legends in attendance.

England went on to win the Euro qualifier 2-0, courtesy of an own-goal from Malta’s Enrico Pepe and Harry Kane finishing off a lovely team move. 

Kane is currently England’s all time top scorer with 61, while Charlton is in third place with 49. 

Between them sits another former United striker in Wayne Rooney, who said said he and Charlton shared several special times and private conversations, and that Charlton was an ‘inspiration’ and ‘an icon.’

Sir Bobby scored 49 goals 106 caps for his country and is England’s third highest scorer

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