He was born William Ambrose Wright in Ironbridge, Shropshire and played in the wing-half and other defensive positions. He was the first player to win more than 100 caps for England, and captained the national side no less than 90 times. On retiring as a player, he became manager of Arsenal F.C
Wright became a minor media personality, and his marriage to Joy Beverley of the Beverley Sisters was one of the most successful showbiz marriages.