Best England Soccer Players of All Time
Who are the best England soccer players of all time? England is the birthplace of the modern game and has been home to many great footballers throughout the years. From iconic Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City to legendary FA Cup and Champions League performances, England has produced some of the finest talents in world football.
These players not only left their mark at the club level but also at the international stage, representing the England national team at major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. England’s rich footballing history includes heroes like Bobby Moore, David Beckham, Sir Bobby Charlton, and more recently, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane—players who have written their names into Premier League history.
In this blog post, we will go over some of the best England soccer players of all time.
What Makes a Football Player Great?
To decide what makes a football player great, there are several factors to consider.
First, technical skills are very important. A good player should have strong control of the ball, accurate passing, and good shooting skills. These are the fundamental skills of the game that all players, especially at the highest level, should have a solid foundation in.
Next, tactical awareness is super important. Great players understand the game well. They know when to run, where to position themselves, and when to support their teammates. This smart thinking on the field often sets the best players apart from the rest.
Physical traits also matter. Speed, strength, and stamina are important for playing well throughout the match. A player who can run faster than their opponents or handle tough tackles usually has an advantage over their opponents.
Finally, mental toughness is key. A player needs to be strong, focused, and calm during tough times. All these elements together create what makes a player truly great.
The Top 15 Best England Soccer Players
1. Sir Bobby Charlton
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Sir Bobby Charlton, a central figure in Manchester United’s history, scored 49 goals in 106 caps for the England national team and was a cornerstone in England’s 1966 World Cup victory. Known for his attacking flair, Charlton also secured two league titles and a European Cup, becoming a United legend and an icon of the English game.
2. Bobby Moore
Position: Center-Back
Captain of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, Moore represented West Ham United for the majority of his career, playing 108 times for England. A master of defensive positioning and leadership, to this day he is remembered as one of the greatest defenders in World Cup history.
3. Wayne Rooney
Position: Forward
Wayne Rooney is one of the most iconic English and Manchester United players who can also be remembered for being the cover start of FIFA. Known for his versatility and power, he was a key player for Manchester United, winning five Premier League titles, a Champions League, and numerous FA Cups under Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney is England’s second all-time goalscorer.
4. Harry Kane
Position: Striker
Ex-Tottenham Hotspur and current Bayern Munich’s talisman and one of England’s finest, Kane is known for his tremendous goal-scoring ability. Recently Kane broke Wayne Rooney’s record for top goal scorer of the English National Team and there is no sign of him slowing down any time soon. Kane is a natural leader who has consistently excelled in both the Premier League and international tournaments, earning the Golden Boot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
5. David Beckham
Position: Right Midfielder
With 115 caps for England, Beckham became known for his pinpoint crossing ability and amazing free-kick abilities. Beckham played for clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, winning league titles and captivating fans worldwide, earning a reputation as a style icon on and off the pitch. Beckham was also the first huge signing for MLS and he had a huge impact on the league and on American soccer.
6. Alan Shearer
Position: Striker
Shearer remains the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, having dominated English football with his striking prowess while playing for clubs like Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. Shearer also won the Premier League title with Blackburn and scored 30 goals for England in 63 caps.
7. Gary Lineker
Position: Striker
Gary Lineker is another great striker on this list who won the 1986 World Cup Golden Boot. Scoring 48 goals for England, he played for top clubs like Leicester City, Barcelona, and Tottenham, earning fans’ respect for his skill and sportsmanship, never receiving a yellow or red card in his career.
8. Ashley Cole
Position: Left-Back
Widely regarded as one of the best left-backs of his generation, Cole won numerous trophies with Arsenal and Chelsea, including Premier League titles and a Champions League. He earned 107 caps for England, admired for his defensive abilities and contributions to the national team. It is also said that Cristiano Ronaldo said that Ashley Cole was his toughest opponent.
9. Rio Ferdinand
Position: Center-Back
Ferdinand, a brick wall of Manchester United’s defense, won six Premier League titles and a Champions League title under Sir Alex Ferguson. His 81 caps for England showcased his composure and ball-playing abilities, cementing him as one of the top defenders in English football history. Ferdinand is now the host of popular podcast, “Vibe with 5”
10. Paul Scholes
Position: Midfielder
Known for his vision and passing, Scholes was a core part of Manchester United’s dominance, winning 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles. Although Scholes had a shorter international career with 66 caps, his impact on the English game remains incomparable and many claim he is one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
11. Steven Gerrard
Position: Midfielder
Liverpool’s inspirational captain, Gerrard made 114 appearances for England and earned a Champions League title in 2005. Gerrard was known for his leadership and powerful long-range shots, constantly scoring in big games when his team needed him the most and becoming a legend in both English club football and international football.
12. Frank Lampard
Position: Midfielder
Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer, Lampard won three Premier League titles and a Champions League, contributing as a prolific goal-scoring midfielder. With 106 England caps, he was known for his work rate and intelligent play, securing his place among England’s elite.
13. John Terry
Position: Center-Back
Known for his strong defensive abilities and leadership, Terry captained both Chelsea and the England national team. He won five Premier League titles, a Champions League, and an FA Cup, establishing himself as one of England’s best defenders of all time with 78 caps.
14. Michael Owen
Position: Striker
Bursting onto the scene with his sensational goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, Owen played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. Scoring 40 goals in 89 caps for England, he won the Ballon d’Or in 2001, one of the few English players to do so.
15. Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is one of the few players that is still active on this list and has played for some of the biggest clubs in England including Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. With over 80 caps for England, he’s won multiple Premier League titles and continues to be a vital part of the national team in major tournaments.
Summary
In summary, the best England soccer players have left a memorable mark on the sport, both at the club and international levels. From the legendary Bobby Moore to modern stars like Harry Kane, these athletes embody the skill, passion, and determination that define English football.
Their achievements and contributions to the game not only inspire future generations but also highlight the rich history and culture of the game in England. As new talents emerge, the legacy of these legends will continue to shape the beautiful game for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cups has England won?
England has won only one World cup back in 1966.
What is the last major trophy that England has won at the international stage?
The World Cup Trophy in 1966 is England’s only trophy at a major tournament.
Can you bet on England’s top soccer players online?
Yes, you can bet on England’s top soccer players and teams through various online platform such as Vave Casino NZ, which has very competitive odds.
