Micah Richards has paid tribute to his father Lincoln, who died shortly before the BBC pundit went on air for England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina.

Former England right-back Richards was one of the experts on BBC One for the coverage of the Three Lions’ 2-1 loss.

“Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away,” wrote Richards on Instagram.

“His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon.”

Richards, 38, the former Manchester City, Aston Villa and Fiorentina defender, won 13 caps for England.

He said his father “was my greatest fan” and “barely missed a game my entire life”.

Richards added: “He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side.

“I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else.

“I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did.

“Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.”