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The England legend epitomized a bygone age in the English game when style and humility went hand in hand.

Still playing top-class soccer three months after he turned 50, Matthews possessed an extraordinary ability to dribble past his opponents, leaving defenses in disarray.

A teetotal non-smoker, he led a Spartan existence bound by a rigid diet and grueling exercise programs. His single-minded dedication to the sport was such that, even in his sixth decade, he could outsmart younger, fleeter players.

Matthews spent his 33-year league career with two unfashionable north of England clubs, Stoke City and Blackpool, and thus never gained the rewards, in terms of domestic medals, that his talent deserved.

However, he won 54 caps for England and in 1956 became the first man to be named European Footballer of the Year at the age of 41. In his long career he was never booked.

His most famous game was for Blackpool, whom he joined from Stoke in 1947, in the 1953 Football Association (F.A.) Cup final against Bolton, thereafter always called "The Matthews Final".

He won 54 international caps and the affection of football fans worldwide for his quiet approach and great skill.

Matthews liked the ball played to his toes so he could run at a defender, sway to his left, then accelerate to his right, or dip his right shoulder and go off the other way.

For a period, his shuffle and feint was the most potent weapon in football.

Matthews, born on Feb. 1, 1915, made his international debut at the age of 19 and collected his last cap in 1956 when, aged 41, he mesmerized the Brazilian defense in England's 4-2 win at Wembley.

Strangely, however, he was often passed over by the England selectors who said he could not head the ball, could not tackle, and did not score enough goals.

English legend Sir Stanley Matthews dies at 85.(Allsport)

In the Blackpool-Bolton final Matthews, who had collected runners-up medals in 1948 and 1951, wanted to win this, his last F.A. Cup final.

With 30 minutes remaining, Blackpool were trailing 3-1 when Matthews, his baggy shorts flapping around his knees, inspired the comeback which has now become part of football's folklore.

He tore the Bolton defense to pieces, set up three goals and was carried off the Wembley pitch shoulder-high by his jubilant teammates. Generations of English schoolboys were brought up on snatches of black and white film from that game.

Born near Stoke in central England, Matthews began his football career in 1930, when he left school and joined Stoke City.

From the age of 15 until he reached 17 and was allowed to sign on as a professional and play for the first team, he played in the reserves. He played for Stoke until 1947, then spent 14 years with Blackpool, receiving a knighthood in 1964.

In 1961 Stoke, wallowing helplessly in the second division, signed their former hero for a paltry fee.

Gates soared and Matthews scored the last goal of his career, after more than 1,000 league appearances, in a performance that ensured the club's return to the first division.

When he finally retired from playing, he could not give up playing football, and briefly managed teams in Malta and Toronto.

Aged over 70 he still toured the world coaching youngsters from San Francisco to Soweto.