Former Ipswich and England striker Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68 after a battle with brain cancer, his family has announced.

Mariner scored 139 goals in 339 games for Ipswich and was a member of their FA Cup winning side of 1978 and the team that won the UEFA Cup in 1981.

He also earned 35 caps for England and scored 13 times for his country. 

'We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on the 9th of July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer,' a

A message from the Mariner family. pic.twitter.com/MjVK1xXtuG

— Paul Mariner (@Paul_Mariner) July 10, 2021

'We would like to thank all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and for the messages and for the messages that were sent to him, they meant a great deal to him and to us.

Former England and Ipswich centre forward Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68-years-old

'A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care he received when he most needed it and for that we, as a family, will forever be in your debt.

'Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.

'Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his great sense of humour, his passion for life and his work.

'He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him. The Mariner family.' 

One of Mariner's greatest moments came for England came against Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in 1981. The Three Lions needed a draw to qualify for the 1982 tournament, and he bagged the winner in a 1-0 victory.  

Tributes have poured in for the former centre forward, who forayed into football management and punditry following his retirement in 1993. 

A tweet from the England team's account read: 'We're sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the #ThreeLions, has passed away at the age of 68.

'Mariner represented England between 1977 and 1985, scoring 13 goals. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and former clubs.'

A tweet from Ipswich read: 'We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Paul Mariner at the age of 68. The thoughts of everyone at Ipswich Town are with Paul's family and friends at this sad time.' 

Town will wear black armbands for their pre-season friendly against Dartford this afternoon in tribute to their former striker. A minute's applause will take place prior to kick off. 

Plymouth Argyle tweeted: 'The Argyle family is devastated to learn of the passing of legendary former striker and manager, Paul Mariner. 

'Paul made 155 appearances, scoring 61 times, between 1973-76, before managing the club between 2009/10. Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends.' 

Former England team-mate Gordon Hill tweeted: 'I got the sad news a couple of hours ago of the passing of my very good and close friend Paul Mariner. 

'It is heart breaking to me as we was close. and roomed together in the England team. Rest in peace PM you will always be with me and remembered fondly.'

ESPN commentator Ian Darke, who worked alongside Mariner for the US broadcaster, tweeted: 'How very sad to hear of the passing of my old ESPN colleague Paul Mariner. Such a superbly stylish England striker and very good bloke. He will be much missed.'  

'Really sad news this is,' Sportsmail's Chris Sutton tweeted. 'Paul Mariner was an outstanding footballer. Thoughts and condolences to the Mariner family.' 

TV and radio presenter Jeremy Vine took to Twitter to pay tribute to Mariner. 'Paul Mariner RIP,' he wrote. 

Matt Holland tweeted: 'Incredibly sad news. One of the clubs all time greats on and off the pitch. Taken far too soon he will be sorely missed'.

ITV Sport presenter Mark Pougatch wrote: 'Desperately sad news this weekend. Lucky enough to have known Paul & what a lovely man he was. His goal took England to the 82 World Cup. We will pay tribute on our Final preview show tonight 10.55 @ITV. #RIPMarrers.' 

The League Managers Association (LMA) released a statement, which read: 'The LMA is deeply saddened following the death of member Paul Mariner, at the age of 68, after a short illness.'

LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson paid tribute, saying: 'Anyone who earned compliments from Sir Bobby Robson deserves special recognition, and Paul's goal tally tells you everything you need to know about his ability as a striker.

'Having faced his teams as a manager, I remember Paul as a tough opponent and a great team player. His enthusiasm and passion for the game was apparent throughout his performances.

'Paul's contribution to football, both for club and country as a player and a coach, was enormous. This is a great loss to the game and I am saddened to hear of his passing.' 

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: 'Paul came into management following an outstanding playing career.

'At Ipswich, he was part of Sir Bobby Robson's FA Cup winning side in 1978 and he lifted the 1981 UEFA Cup. For his country, he made 35 appearances for England, scoring against France at the 1982 World Cup.

'Paul was very highly respected as a player and a manager, and we particularly remember him for his kindness and generosity to his fellow coaches. He was always keen to welcome colleagues who wanted to learn from his experiences coaching overseas.

'Paul will be very much missed by his friends within the LMA and his colleagues from across football. Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at such a sad time.'