These are the best players to ever have worn a Three Lions jersey!
In this list, we will explore the greatest English players of all periods from legendary World Cup winners to those who came agonisingly close in the Euros, and many more iconic talents in between, each leaving an unquestionable mark on football history.
Sir Bobby Charlton is often celebrated as the epitome of Manchester United's values. A survivor of the Munich Air Disaster, Charlton rose to become a legendary figure on domestic, European, and international stages. His remarkable achievements include winning three First Division titles, the European Cup—making United the first English team to win it in 1968—and the 1966 World Cup. Charlton's impact on the game is profound and enduring, cementing his name as a symbol of excellence in English football. This sentiment was profoundly expressed following his death in 2023, reaffirming his legacy as an incomparable icon of the sport.
Bobby Moore, England’s legendary World Cup-winning captain, was the epitome of defensive brilliance, often described as a "Rolls-Royce" of a player. His defensive power was so remarkable that Pelé hailed him as the greatest defender he ever faced—a high accolade in the sport. Moore was also the first footballer to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. His humility and skill really made a mark on both the national team and West Ham, where he spent most of his career. As captain, he led West Ham to an FA Cup win in 1964 and a Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1965, making sure Moore’s name is remembered in football history.
Placing a player who hasn't yet retired third on this list might seem bold, but Harry Kane’s statistics speak for themselves. By surpassing Wayne Rooney in 2023, Kane became England’s all-time leading scorer before turning 30, and he is poised to extend that record with a few more major tournaments ahead. Also the record goalscorer for Tottenham Hotspur, Kane has recently joined Bayern Munich. He is one of only two England players to win the World Cup Golden Boot, which he achieved in 2018, and to captain the Three Lions in a major final, leading them to the Euro 2020 final. His impact on English football is already profound.
Wayne Rooney’s explosive arrival at 16, marked by his iconic last-minute winner for Everton against Arsenal, signalled the rise of a truly special talent in English football. He soon proved this by becoming Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, delivering some of the Premier League’s most unforgettable goals, including the stunning overhead kick in the Manchester derby and a thunderous volley against Newcastle. Rooney also left his mark on the England team, where he captained the side and became the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer. His career has been defined by remarkable achievements and memorable moments, securing his status as one of the game's greats.
English football may never witness another striker quite like Jimmy Greaves. The Spurs and Chelsea legend amassed an incredible 357 top-flight goals and was the First Division’s top scorer six times. Despite his prolific career, a group stage injury in the 1966 World Cup saw him lose his place to Geoff Hurst, missing the final. Unfortunately, he did not receive a winners' medal until a FIFA rule change in 2009, a situation that remains a significant oversight. Nevertheless, Greaves' record of 44 goals in 57 England caps is one of the most efficient scoring records in the history of the Three Lions. His legacy endures as one of football's great goal scorers.
Gordon Banks, Paul Gascoigne, David Beckham, Alan Shearer, and Gary Lineker also deserve an honourable mention on this list!
