Let’s celebrate the three lions' most spectacular goals!
What’s the greatest England goal of all time? We all have our favourites. Over the years, the Three Lions have dazzled international tournaments with countless screamers and stunning strikes. Our list includes goals from World Cups, Euros, and even qualifiers. We’ve ranked them based on a mix of technical brilliance, nostalgia, and their importance. Here’s our top picks…
As the game neared its end, Beckham stepped up to take a crucial free kick, with England’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance. The entire country held its breath as he ran up to the ball. What followed was a flawlessly executed free kick, curling perfectly into the top corner, sending Beckham sprinting toward the ecstatic English fans. It was a truly breathtaking moment!
In the 16th minute of the match, 18-year-old Michael Owen made a decision that would become legendary. Picking up the ball in the middle of the pitch, he embarked on a dazzling solo run, effortlessly holding off one defender and weaving around another with remarkable speed and control. With the goal in his sights, Owen unleashed a powerful shot, sending the ball into the top corner of the net, leaving the Argentinian goalkeeper helpless. His stunning strike gave England a 2-1 lead over Argentina and announced his arrival on the world stage as a star to watch.
In the final minute of extra time, England earned a free kick midway between the penalty area and the halfway line. With the match hanging in the balance, the England players crowded the box, eager for a last-minute winner. The ball was lofted into the area, sailing over everyone’s heads, but it fell perfectly for David Platt. With his back to goal, Platt executed a stunning half-turn volley, pivoting his entire body to send the ball crashing into the far post. His brilliant strike sealed the victory, propelling England to an unforgettable win in dramatic fashion.
Gascoigne delivered an unforgettable moment as he flicked the ball brilliantly over the Scottish defender’s head, leaving his opponent flat-footed and humiliated. The ball hung perfectly in the air, allowing Gascoigne to set himself up for a volley. With exceptional precision, he struck the ball cleanly, sending it into the bottom left corner of the goal. The Scottish defender, left on the ground in disbelief, could only watch as Gascoigne's moment of magic gave England a memorable goal. It was a display of skill and composure that remains one of the most iconic moments in English football history.
The legend Paul Gascoigne!
After collecting Mark Hateley’s lofted pass on his chest, John Barnes found himself on the left wing, about 30 yards from goal. In one fluid motion, he cut inside past Brazil’s right-back, Leandro, displaying footwork more akin to a ballerina than a footballer. Barnes then embarked on a dazzling solo run, slicing through the entire Brazilian defense with ease. As he reached the box, he calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Roberto Costa, capping off an extraordinary piece of individual brilliance. It was a goal that proved Barnes' exceptional skill and remains one of England's most celebrated moments against Brazil.
Ella Toone vs Germany, Joe Cole vs Sweden, Geoff Hurst vs West Germany, Bobby Charlton vs Mexico, and Frank Lampard vs Germany could also be worthy contenders on this list!
