Death of the Queen: Harry Kane, Pelé, Tyson Fury, Beckham and others pay tribute to Elizabeth II

England football captain Harry Kane and British boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua led sporting tributes to Queen Elizabeth II after the death of Britain's longest-serving monarch on Thursday.

The Queen, who reigned for 70 years after assuming the throne in 1952, died aged 96 at Balmoral.

His eldest son, Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the grieving country as the new king.

The sports world has begun to pay tribute to the Queen, with Kane calling Her Majesty an "incredible inspiration".

The Tottenham striker wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time. The Queen has been an incredible inspiration and her incredible years of service to this country will be remembered. Rest in peace Peace, Your Majesty."

Similarly, Fury tweeted, "Thoughts and prayers with my queen tonight, God be with you."

For his part, Joshua wrote on his Instagram story: "Rest in peace Your Majesty...thank you for everything."

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star David Beckham wrote on Instagram: "I am truly saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. What an outpouring of love and respect we have seen for the platinum jubilee for her life of service. How devastated we all feel today, it shows what she meant to people in this country and around the world. How much she inspired us with her leadership. How She comforted us when times were tough. Until her last days, she served her country with dignity and grace. This year she would have known how much she was loved. My thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family… ”

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé wrote on Instagram: "I've been a big fan of Queen Elizabeth II since the first time I saw her in person, in 1968, when she came to Brazil to show our love for football and experienced the magic of a racing Maracana. His deeds have marked generations. This legacy will last forever."

Former English football star Gary Lineker added: "Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has passed away.

"A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. An ever present comfort in the lives of most of us. Rest in peace, Your Majesty."