Sir Geoff Hurst understands why former players are reluctant to participate in studies to further examine the link between playing the game and an increased risk of dementia.

Hurst has seen first hand the impact the disease can have, with four of his 1966 World Cup final team-mates having died with it and Sir Bobby Charlton living with the condition.

England manager Gareth Southgate has volunteered to be part of the HEADING project being led by academics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and has encouraged fellow former players aged 50 and over to join him.

He believes the introduction of a two-day rest period between any sessions involving heading may be one way to tackle it.

"A day or two off where you don't practise heading at all – that would make sense and certainly wouldn't destroy the art of heading," he said.

"In terms of practice, we spent an awful lot of time practising – probably more than necessary – because we weren't aware what could happen in the future. You can cut that package down quite considerably."

:: England legend Sir Geoff Hurst is launching nominations for the 2021 FA & McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards. To nominate your grassroots hero, go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk/awards.