James Walker, who played alongside Harry Kane at Leyton Orient, has died at the age of 38.
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Walker ended his football career in 2019 after suffering a cardiac arrest. The incident left him with a range of physical and psychological problems which prevented him from continuing as a professional player.
It is now understood that Walker had died after losing his fight for life.
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The news will be particularly difficult for Kane, who knew Walker personally after the pair shared a club during the early part of the last decade at Leyton Orient. Kane is regarded as the best striker in the England team.
Southend, a club with which Walker had a particularly strong connection, has also responded to the news of his death, according to derbyderbyderby.it.