Football fan, 11, who died before England game has touching tribute paid to him at match
An 11-year-old football fan who tragically passed away just days before England's World Cup semi-final game against Argentina was honoured at the match in a very special way.
George Dennis, from Essex, died following a crash on 10 July, a day before the Three Lions took on Norway in the quarter-finals.
According to the Epping Forest Guardian, the young child was struck by a lorry in the parish of Ongar close to a pedestrian crossing, after which he was rushed to hospital, where he died of his injuries.
A fundraiser has since been set up by George's family, whose friends described him as a 'bright, beautiful' boy.
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His mother, Emma, also shared a tribute with Essex Police, which began: "Our beloved son, George Dennis, was just 11 years old when he tragically died on Friday following a road traffic collision. He had his whole life ahead of him.
"George was a bright light in our lives. He had the kindest heart, a cheeky smile, and a personality that was truly one of a kind. He was full of life, always making people laugh, and brought so much happiness to everyone who knew him."
She later added: "George was absolutely football mad and a devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporter.
"Football was his passion, and it brought him so much joy and happiness. Always so passionate, shouting at the telly watching every game when his beloved Spurs scored. A noise I will miss for a lifetime."
After catching wind of the heartbreaking accident, former Tottenham midfielder David Bentley decided to honour George's life with a sweet tribute.
The ex-sportsman took the youngster's No. 11 England shirt with him to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to watch what became England's final bid for the World Cup trophy.
According to onlookers, Bentley proudly held up George's jersey for most of the match, which sadly ended in a 2-1 defeat for England.
He later told the press: "It felt only right to bring George with me to watch England play Argentina today.
"George’s shirt will be with me in the stadium, and I know he’ll be watching down on the boys today."
Bentley's heartfelt gesture hasn't gone unnoticed by fellow sports fans, who praised him on social media.
"George’s family is welcome to join my family and I at any upcoming Spurs game," one Instagram user wrote. "Sending all of my love."
Another gushed: "A tribute he would have absolutely loved."
"This is unbelievably sad, RIP little fella. Big up @davidbentley007 for raising awareness," a third went on.
The lorry driver whose vehicle struck George was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injuries by dangerous driving.
The 48-year-old man was further arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, before being released on bail pending further investigation.
Rhianna Benson