Highlights

  • Sir Geoff Hurst, Glenn Hoddle and Ray Clemence are among the most surprising omissions from the top 25.
  • A handful of players from the 1966 World Cup winning squad feature, including legends Bobby Moore and Sir Bobby Charlton.
  • Star players from the so-called 'Golden Generation' of the 2000s also feature prominently.

England have produced many truly wonderful players. Despite failing to win more than one major international trophy, the Three Lions have seen some of the greatest footballers to have kicked a ball don the famous white shirt down the years.

But who is the greatest England player of all time? It's a question that is near enough impossible to answer. A number of England's 1966 World Cup winners simply have to be included in the argument, while members of the country's fabled 'Golden Generation' also have to feature.

Well, fans have given their opinion on the matter by ranking the best players to have ever hailed from England. The standings over on Ranker are certainly controversial - to say the least - and are sure to spark plenty of debate. We take a closer look at the top 25 below.

Greatest Players from England (According to Fans) - Stats correct as of 26/03/24

No.

Player

Years

Caps

Goals

1

Wayne Rooney

2003-2018

120

53

2

David Beckham

1996-2009

115

17

3

Sir Bobby Charlton

1958-1970

106

49

4

Steven Gerrard

2000-2014

114

21

5

Frank Lampard

1999-2014

106

29

6

Bobby Moore

1962-1973

108

2

7

Harry Kane

2015-

89

62

8

Alan Shearer

1992-2000

63

30

9

Jude Bellingham

2020-

28

2

10

Paul Scholes

1997-2004

66

14

11

Gary Lineker

1984-1992

80

48

12

Sir Stanley Matthews

1934-1957

54

11

13

Gordon Banks

1963-1972

73

0

14

Kevin Keegan

1972-1982

63

21

15

Ashley Cole

2001-2014

107

0

16

Ian Wright

1991-1998

33

9

17

Paul Gascoigne

1988-1998

57

10

18

Jimmy Greaves

1959-1967

57

44

19

John Terry

2003-2012

78

6

20

John Barnes

1983-1995

79

11

21

Bukayo Saka

2020-

32

11

22

Phil Foden

2020-

32

4

23

Trent Alexander-Arnold

2016-

23

2

24

Jack Charlton

2003-2012

35

6

25

Peter Shilton

1970-1990

125

0

25 Peter Shilton

England Caps: 125

Peter Shilton

Peter Shilton represented England at three separate World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990) and made the fourth-most appearances in international tournaments for the country in the process. The shot-stopper was agile and brave between the sticks and was an integral part of Nottingham Forest's famous European Cup successes in the late 1970s and early 80s.

Not only did Shilton appear in 17 World Cup matches for the Three Lions, but he also shares the record for the most clean sheets in the competition's history with Fabian Barthez. The iconic 'keeper kept the opposition out 10 times in those 17 appearances, a remarkable record.

24 Jack Charlton

England Caps: 35

England's Jack Charlton

Jack Charlton's England career lasted only five years - which is shorter than the majority of the names on this list - but he still makes it into the top 25. The centre-back spent his entire career with Leeds United after coming through the ranks at the Yorkshie-based outfit.

The older brother of Sir Bobby Charlton - who we will get to later - was part of the same squad as his sibling when Sir Geoff Hurst guided England to their first, and so far only, World Cup triumph. He'd only made his debut for the side one year earlier after being called upon by Alf Ramsey, and the defender went on to write his name in the history books.

23 Trent Alexander-Arnold

England Caps: 23

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Look, Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn't achieved as much with England as other players on this list, but there's no denying that the Liverpool star is an unbelievable footballer. It will be a travesty if Gareth Southgate and his successors don't get the best out of the versatile full-back in an England shirt.

Does Trent have the ability to become one of England's best-ever players? Without doubt. There aren't many better passers of the ball in either the Premier League or, indeed, wider European football. The Liverpool right-back has found success in recent times by playing as a midfielder for England. This could be the long-term solution for the Liverpudlian, with fans keen to see the gifted technician playing further forward.

22 Phil Foden

England Caps: 32

Phil Foden in England training

There's no denying that Phil Foden is a phenomenal young player but he can consider himself a little fortunate to already be 22nd on this list. That said, the 23-year-old midfielder has already won a treble with Manchester City, so perhaps that's slightly harsh.

At the time of writing, Foden has made 32 appearances for England, scoring four goals. Like Alexander-Arnold, we're yet to see the best of Foden - who was the standout player during the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 - in an England shirt. Foden was listed as one of 10 world-class players who are under-appreciated by their national teams in 2023, but fans will be hoping he plays a key role for his country at Euro 2024.

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21 Bukayo Saka

England Caps: 32

England's Bukayo Saka

If England are to have any form of success in the coming years, it's almost guaranteed that Bukayo Saka will be a big part of it. The young winger suffered heartbreak as he missed a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy as Gareth Southgate's side fell just short of a first major trophy since 1966.

However, determined not to allow that moment to define him, Saka has gone from strength to strength for both club and country ever since. The 22-year-old has quickly become one of the most consistent and highest-performing wingers in the Premier League, and he has nailed down a place on the right wing for his country for many years to come.

20 John Barnes

England Caps: 79

John Barnes in and England shirt

Seriously, what a footballer John Barnes was. A magnificent winger, Barnes lit up the English game with Watford and Liverpool, in particular. A certain generation of Liverpool fans fell in love with the club due to the entertainment provided by the winger during his time at Anfield.

At international level, Barnes represented England on 79 occasions and scored 11 goals. Jamie Carragher once said that Barnes was like Thierry Henry before Thierry Henry, and there can be no higher praise for the Jamaica-born star. Barnes has elevated his popularity with many across the country with the work he has done in the fight against racism in football.

19 John Terry

England Caps: 78

England-John-Terry

Arguably the best captain of the Premier League era, it's impossible to overstate John Terry's importance to Chelsea between 1998-2017. A warrior on the pitch, 'JT' was worth his weight in gold for the Blues. Underrated in terms of ability on the ball, Terry wouldn't look out of place in today's game with an added importance placed on defenders being able to play out from the back, yet he is still seen as one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history.

Terry was part of England's famous 'Golden Generation' and played a total of 78 appearances for his country, netting six goals. Alongside Rio Ferdinand, the former Chelsea man was a constant at the heart of the England back-line for many years, and this makes it even more unbelievable that the nation didn't taste success during that period.

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18 Jimmy Greaves

England Caps: 57

Jimmy Greaves

Jimmy Greaves scored goals for fun. In 57 England appearances, the 1966 World Cup winner scored 44 times, while he notched 220 in 321 games for Tottenham - truly astonishing records. For decades, the forward was north London club's all-time top scorer, until his long-standing record was eventually surpassed by Harry Kane.

Greaves, who later became a hugely popular co-host on Saint and Greavsie, sadly passed away in September 2021 at the age of 81. Spurs and England fans will cherish the memories the prolific goalscorer left them with for eternity and his legacy will continue to live on.

17 Paul Gascoigne

England Caps: 57

Paul Gascoigne celebrates for England

Not only is Paul Gascoigne one of the most talented footballers that the country has ever produced, but he's also one of the most loved. Everyone who played with or managed 'Gazza' has a hilarious story about the gifted former midfielder. An example of the football icon's funniest moments includes a celebration imitating an incident from a night out known as the 'dentist chair'.

Gazza had his demons, as we all know, but that takes nothing away from the joy he gave to millions of football fans every time he had a ball at his feet. Regardless of the troubles he's faced after hanging up his boots, the former midfield ace will forever be remembered as one of the most technically gifted players England has ever produced.

16 Ian Wright

England Caps: 33

Ian Wright celebrates scoring for England

Ian Wright is a beloved figure in English football now as a pundit. The upbeat personality of the ex-Gunners forward has endeared Wrighty to supporters across the country. Not only is he an entertaining figure, but the 60-year-old was once one of the most deadly strikers in the Premier League.

His spells with Crystal Palace and Arsenal in particular showed the clinical nature of the poacher, although this didn't necessarily translate to international football. Often overlooked during his time with the national side, Wright would only pull on the famous white shirt 33 times, scoring nine times in that time.

15 Ashley Cole

England Caps: 107

England-Ashley-Cole-Portugal-Cristiano-Ronaldo

Widely considered to be the best full-back of the Premier League era, Ashley Cole is probably the greatest left-back that English football has ever produced. He was usually a solid eight or nine out of 10 whenever he played for the Three Lions and even got the better of Cristiano Ronaldo on occasions. The Portugal forward named Cole as his toughest opponent ever, having faced the left-back on many occasions for club and country.

One of nine players to reach 100 caps for England, the former Arsenal and Chelsea star represented his country between 2001-2014. His position in the starting XI was rarely in doubt, with Cole being head and shoulders above any competition for a place in the side at left-back.

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14 Kevin Keegan

England Caps: 63

Kevin Keegan

A true English superstar during the 1970s and 1980s. Kevin Keegan's achievements as a player are seriously underrated. Younger readers may not be aware that Keegan won the Ballon d'Or in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg. In fact, he's the only English player to have secured the prestigious individual accolade on two separate occasions.

Keegan also briefly managed the Three Lions but famously quit after a 1-0 defeat to Germany on a rain-soaked afternoon in October 2000 - the final match played at the old Wembley Stadium. It's fair to say that England fans remember him more fondly due to his achievements and performances on the pitch rather than in the dugout.

13 Gordon Banks

England Caps: 73

Gordon Banks

A legendary goalkeeper who produced arguably the greatest save in World Cup history - stopping a shot from Brazilian icon Pele in the 1970 World Cup - Gordon Banks was in goal when England were crowned world champions in 1966. Many fans would still select Banks in between the sticks when putting together England's greatest-ever XI.

Shilton might have more England caps to his name but Banks - who played for the likes of Leicester City and Stoke City at club level - is probably the best 'keeper ever produced in Britain. The shot-stopper continued playing until he was 40 with his career spanning almost two decades. He tragically passed away in February 2019 at the age of 81.

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12 Sir Stanley Matthews

England Caps: 54

Stanley Matthews

'The Wizard of the Dribble' is a fitting nickname for a true England great. Sir Stanley Matthews was the winner of the inaugural Ballon d'Or award in 1956 while playing for Blackpool. To this day, Matthews is still the oldest-ever Ballon d'Or winner, having scooped the honour at the staggering age of 41.

To have still been seen as worthy of winning the award at such an age just goes to show the longevity of the man within the world of football, with his career lasting an incredible 33 years. A formidable individual performance in the 1953 FA Cup final means the game is permanently remembered as the 'Matthews Final'.

11 Gary Lineker

England Caps: 80

Gary Lineker poses for a photograph in an England shirt

An Englishman who made scoring goals look easy. Everton, Tottenham, Barcelona, England, and more... wherever Lineker played, the goals always followed. The prolific forward scored 256 goals across his illustrious career for both club and country, making him one of the top-scoring English footballers of all time. Only Sir Bobby Charlton, Wayne Rooney, and Harry Kane have scored more goals for the nation throughout history.

Younger football fans will know Lineker as the host of Match of the Day, but he was devastating inside the penalty area. His role on prime-time television has kept the 63-year-old relevant in the eyes of many, and some regard him as something of a national treasure.

10 Paul Scholes

England Caps: 66

Paul Scholes

From a technical point of view, few English players have ever been as good as Scholes. It's just a shame that he was occasionally wasted on the left wing when playing for his country, with this being a common theme in the failure of the English team of the 2000s. Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Scholes should have been a midfield capable of winning major prizes, but no manager could seem to make it fit.

Many of the world's greatest players and managers have spoken in glowing terms about Scholes over the years. The brilliant midfielder spent his entire club career with Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson and won trophies for fun. His final trophy haul included 11 Premier League trophies and two Champions League titles.

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9 Jude Bellingham

England Caps: 28

Jude Bellingham in action for England

Incredibly, a 20-year-old is in the top 10 players on this list. Think about the achievements of some of the names that have already been mentioned. Jude Bellingham is a bonafide Galactico and everyone expects the Real Madrid star to go on to lift at least one Ballon d'Or - probably in the next couple of years.

His move to Spain has elevated the attack-minded midfielder to new levels and the hopes of England at Euro 2024 will rest upon his shoulders. The duo of Bellingham and Declan Rice in the engine room for Southgate's side will be pivotal to any trophies that the national side lift. Los Blancos' best-performing player in the 2023-24 campaign is gearing up for Euro 2024 as one of the most in-form players in world football.

8 Alan Shearer

England Caps: 63

Alan Shearer

The Premier League's all-time leading scorer with a remarkable 260 goals, Newcastle United hero Alan Shearer is, without doubt, one of the greatest strikers in the division's history. Capable of scoring all types of goals, Shearer would have been incredible in any era. An early indication of the success he would go on to have in front of goal for his country came when Shearer scored on his England debut against France in 1992.

Now a popular pundit for the BBC, Shearer breathed a huge sigh of relief when Harry Kane left the Premier League for Bayern Munich. His record as the Premier League's record goalscorer looks safe again - for now. Shearer even went on to share his views on Kane's move to Bayern Munich, and sent his best wishes to the former Tottenham star, endearing himself further to English fans.

7 Harry Kane

England Caps: 89

England captain Harry Kane

It's fair to say that Harry Kane has exceeded all expectations, both at club and international level, since 2015 - the former Tottenham ace is his nation's record goalscorer. Many people doubted him early on in his career, dismissing him as a 'one-season wonder', but Kane has well and truly silenced every one of his critics since then.

Winner of the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot award, Kane - who left Spurs for Bayern Munich in the summer - should open up a huge gap between himself and England's second-highest goalscorer, Wayne Rooney, over the next few years. He is already second in the list of top Premier League goalscorers of all time - behind Shearer - and will stay within that elite company for a long time. Maybe he'll even come back to the Premier League at some point and take pole position. You wouldn't bet against him.

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6 Bobby Moore

England Caps: 108

Bobby Moore

The greatest defender England has ever and possibly will ever produce, there's a reason why Bobby Moore has a statue outside Wembley Stadium. To still be seen as the best centre-back in the history of the nation - even with some incredibly talented players such as Rio Ferdinand and Terry having played since Moore's retirement - is an incredible testament to the former Hammer.

Moore captained England to World Cup glory in '66 and was, by all accounts, an absolute class act both on and off the pitch. Synonymous with West Ham, Moore sadly died in 1993, aged just 51, following a battle with cancer. Even after his passing, Moore's legacy will live on forever as the only man to date to have lifted the most prestigious international trophy on offer for England.