It was what Williams did next that stunned not only the boy and members of his family who were there to film and witness the act of kindness, but just about everyone who has seen the video which is being shared all over social media.

Down he goes: A security guard tackles young fan Charlie Lines.

After years of hard work and dedication to get where he is, Williams took the medal that would have meant so much to him and gave it to the boy, who could hardly contain his excitement at being given a piece of sporting history by one of his heroes.

The image of the boy looking at the medal and smiling as though all his Christmases had come at once is one of the great moments of this year's World Cup.

"I was walking around doing a lap of honour with the boys and a young fella came running out and he got smoked by the security guard, like full on tackled him," Williams explained afterwards. "I felt sorry for the little fella."