London: Former Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Jimmy Greaves has suffered a severe stroke and is in intensive care in hospital, his family said on Monday. A prolific goalscorer throughout his career, Greaves scored 44 goals in just 57 appearances for England -- the fourth-highest total of all time. A family statement said the 75-year-old Greaves had fallen ill on Sunday and was taken to hospital.

"His wife Irene and four children have asked for privacy during what is a worrying time for the family," added the statement. "Jimmy had a minor stroke in 2012, but appeared to have made a full recovery. "He was due to be inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame on 13 May at a sell-out ceremony at White Hart Lane."