English football is more than just a sport; it’s something the whole country is crazy about. It’s a big part of our culture and has given us some of the most famous names in sports history.
Historically, the best English football players have consistently supplied the world with players of unparalleled skill, leadership, and raw talent.
People love to argue about who the greatest football player is, and it can get pretty heated and personal. In this article, we’re going to sort through all that and share a solid list of the best English football players who have played the game.
This is a celebration of the legends who have shaped their times, won major awards, and left their mark on history.
We look at a few key things when choosing: how they made a difference internationally, how long they played, what they’ve accomplished in their careers, and how well they performed on the field.
They are the heroes who have given fans hope in major tournaments, from unforgettable world cup games to thrilling European championships.
The 13 Best English Football Players Ever
1. Sir Bobby Charlton
2. Bobby Moore
3. Jimmy Greaves
4. Gordon Banks
5. Stanley Matthews
6. Paul Gascoigne
7. Wayne Rooney
8. Steven Gerrard
9. Frank Lampard
10. Alan Shearer
11. David Beckham
12. Ashley Cole
13. Gary Lineker
People Also Read: 21 Most Decorated Football Players in History ranked by Trophies Won
13. Gary Lineker
The first name in our list of best English football players is Gary Lineker, who was a real goal-scoring machine, always knowing just where to be when the ball came his way. His record for both his club and country is impressive, and he’s known for never getting a yellow or red card in his whole career, showing how fair he played.
His time on the field really shone during the big tournaments. He took home the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup after netting six goals, which included a hat-trick against Poland. He was also England’s leading scorer in the 1990 World Cup with four goals.
Image Credit: GettyImages
With a total of 48 goals for the national team, he’s fourth on the all-time scoring list. Lineker had a knack for getting open in tight spaces and was known for his sharp finishing, making him one of the deadliest strikers of his time.
His contribution to England’s semi-final run in 1990 is a golden chapter in the history of UK football, and his status as a master poacher makes him one of the best English football players to ever wear the Three Lions shirt.
12. Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole is often seen as the best left-back in English football, and it’s easy to see why. He was known for his amazing speed, solid defense, and unexpected attacking skills. He played a big role in Arsenal’s Invincibles team and then won many titles with Chelsea, even lifting the Champions League trophy.
For the England national team, Cole was the go-to left-back for more than ten years, racking up 107 appearances. He was a constant presence in world cup games and European championships, consistently providing top-tier performances.
Image Credit: GettyImages
His knack for dealing with top wingers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi showed just how good he was on defense.
Cole’s consistency and quality over a long period make him one of the most underrated players on this list but a definite inclusion among the best English football players. If you want to learn about today’s best English football players, check out this list.
11. David Beckham
David Beckham was more than just a name amongst the best English football players; he was a worldwide star. But behind all the fame, he was a guy with a ton of skill and a strong work ethic. His right foot was something else, known for delivering perfect crosses and nailing amazing free-kicks.
The way he could curve a ball around a wall or from way back on the field was something special and became his signature move. One of David Beckham’s biggest moments for England was in 2001 when he scored a last-minute free-kick against Greece, which got England into the 2002 World Cup.
Image Credit: GettyImages
It was a moment that really touched the nation and showed off his leadership. He also captained England in two World Cups and played a major role in that famous Golden Generation.
Beckham’s influence transcended the pitch, making him one of the most recognizable and impactful figures in the history of the English game.
His free-kick mastery and influence on and off the field cement his place among the best English football players.
Claim your Welcome Bonus Here!
10. Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer is a name that stands out in football for his goal-scoring ability. He holds the record for the most goals in the Premier League, with 260 to his name, and it’s a mark that’s tough to beat.
Shearer was the kind of striker you wanted on your team, strong, tough, and a real threat in front of the net with both feet and his head. He helped Blackburn Rovers win the Premier League title and became a fan favorite at Newcastle United, where he spent most of his career.
Image Credit: GettyImages
On the international stage, he also shone, being the top scorer at Euro ’96 and taking England to the semi-finals. His strength and heading skills made him a tough challenge for defenders, and his hard work inspired his teammates.
Shearer’s name is etched into the very fabric of the UK football landscape. His strong dedication and impressive goal-scoring really set him apart from the rest. He is undoubtedly one of the best English football players.
9. Frank Lampard
He really changed what it meant to be an attacking midfielder. With his great work ethic, sharp mind, and knack for showing up just when it mattered, he became Chelsea’s all-time top goal scorer, a pretty cool feat for a midfielder.
Frank Lampard was known for his steady performance and long career, being a true pro both on and off the field. For England, he was a key player in the midfield for more than ten years.
Image Credit: GettyImages
His partnership with Steven Gerrard is still talked about a lot, but Lampard’s own impact was huge. He scored in several World Cups and was always a danger from the midfield. His skills in open play and at the penalty spot made him one of the standout players of his time.
Lampard’s legacy is built on a foundation of hard work and an insatiable desire to win, and he is a shining example of what it means to be one of the best English football players.
8. Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard spent his entire career at Liverpool and was a key player for England in the 2000s and 2010s. He was a strong midfielder known for his energy, powerful shot, and knack for scoring important goals.
Amongst all time English football players, Gerrard always stood-out and was always at the center of the action, and his leadership and fighting spirit really stood out. He had a special way of turning games around, as he showed in the 2005 Champions League final.
Image Credit: GettyImages
With England, he was part of the Golden Generation. Even though the team didn’t achieve as much as fans hoped, Gerrard always gave his best. He was a constant threat on the field, able to control the game and come through with big plays when it mattered most.
He captained England at three major tournaments and remains one of the most respected figures in England football.
His legacy is one of grit, determination, and spectacular moments, making him a prime candidate for the title of one of the best English football players.
7. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney made a big splash as a 16-year-old with his incredible energy and bold style. He went on to become a titan of the English game, becoming the all-time leading goal scorer for both Manchester United and the England national team.
Rooney’s career really showed off how versatile he was and how much he wanted to win. He could play as a striker, a winger, or even in the midfield, and he did great in all those positions. Scoring 53 goals in 120 games for England is impressive, too.
Image Credit: GettyImages
He was part of many big tournaments and carried the hopes of his country for over ten years. Even though he never lifted a major international trophy, his standout moments from his fantastic play in Euro 2004 to his determination in later years made him a unique player.
His passion and commitment to the shirt were never in doubt, and he is rightfully regarded as one of the best English football players of his generation and all time.
6. Paul Gascoigne
Another Paul Gazza Gascoigne was something else, a player with amazing skill and a wild side. For a short time, he was probably the most thrilling player out there. His showing at the 1990 World Cup stole the spotlight both in England and beyond.
Who could forget his emotional reaction after getting a yellow card in the semi-final against West Germany? It meant he would miss the final, and that moment became a standout memory from the tournament.
Image Credit: GettyImages
Gascoigne played with flair and had a knack for delivering those unforgettable moments. His goal against Scotland at Euro ’96, a sublime flick over the defender followed by a volleyed finish, is a moment of genius that lives on in the memory of every England football fan.
He had a unique knack for controlling the pace of the game, making opportunities from thin air, and keeping things exciting with every move. Though his career was marred by controversy, his sheer talent and impact on the game are undeniable, cementing his place on this list of the best English football players.
5. Stanley Matthews
Sir Stanley Matthews had a career that seems almost unbelievable. He played professional football until he was 50, which is something you just don’t see these days. Compared to other English football players, he was nicknamed The Wizard of the Dribble, he was a winger with amazing control, balance, and footwork that made defenders look silly.
He never got a yellow card in his whole career, which shows how fair he played. He won the first-ever Ballon d’Or in 1956 and holds the record for being the oldest player to play for England.
Image Credit: GettyImages
His incredible longevity and skill were a product of his revolutionary fitness regime and his deep love for the uk football game. Matthews was a real trailblazer. He ruled his time and set a bar for skill that shaped many wingers who followed.
His legacy is one of enduring excellence and an unwavering passion for the game, placing him firmly in the pantheon of the best English football players.
4. Gordon Banks
Goalkeepers don’t always get the credit they deserve, but Gordon Banks was something special. The Sheffield native was the keeper for England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, and he really showed what he could do during that tournament.
Still, his most famous moment came four years later at the 1970 World Cup. In a game against Brazil, Banks pulled off what many call the save of the century. When Pelé’s powerful header looked like it was going in, Banks made an incredible dive to tip the ball over the bar.
Image Credit: GettyImages
That moment showed off his amazing skills and solidified his place as one of the best goalkeepers ever. His quick reflexes, great positioning, and calm demeanor made him stand out.
His place on this list is a recognition of his genius and the crucial role he played in the most successful chapter of England top level football. There is no doubt that he is among the best English football players.
3. Jimmy Greaves
Before Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney, there was Jimmy Greaves, probably the best natural goal scorer England has ever seen. His career stats are impressive: he’s the all-time top scorer in the English league with 357 goals and holds the record for the most hat-tricks for Tottenham Hotspur.
Greaves had a knack for finishing that he made it look so easy and often did it with style. He was part of the 1966 World Cup team, but sadly, an injury kept him out of the final. Even so, his international record is great, scoring 44 goals in just 57 matches.
Image Credit: GettyImages
Greaves is remembered for being super prolific and having a real talent for finding the goal. He was the quintessential striker of his generation, a pure number nine who lived and breathed for goals, and a testament to the talent of the English game.
He is undeniably one of the best English football players in history.
2. Bobby Moore
If Charlton was the golden boy, then Bobby Moore was definitely the golden captain. That famous photo of him being carried by his teammates, holding the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley, really captures the heart of English football success.
Moore wasn’t just a captain; he was like an artist on the field. As a defender, he had a style, calmness, and smartness that were way ahead of his time. Pelé even called him the best defender he ever faced.
Image Credit: GettyImages
Moore led by being cool and composed, not just with big speeches. He didn’t need to be rough; he read the game so well and knew how to win the ball without fouling.
His performance in the 1966 world cup final against West Germany is the stuff of legend. He led by example, and his famous tackle on Jairzinho in the 1970 fifa world cup games remains one of the most sublime defensive actions ever witnessed.
Moore’s name is synonymous with integrity and class, making him an essential inclusion on any list of the best football icons.
1. Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton is considered by many to be the best amongst English football players ever. His life is filled with ups and downs, and he had incredible talent. After surviving the Munich air disaster in 1958, he became a key player for Manchester United and the England national team.
A midfielder with an extraordinary goal-scoring ability and a thunderous left-footed shot, Charlton was a driving force behind England’s single greatest achievement: winning the world cup final in 1966.
His club career was impressive too. He played a big role in Manchester United’s comeback under Sir Matt Busby, helping them win the European Cup in 1968, just ten years after the Munich tragedy.
His 49 goals for England held the national record for more than 45 years. Beyond his goals and titles, Charlton possessed a grace and sportsmanship that made him a global ambassador for England football.
He won the Ballon d’Or and was a real class act in the game, representing all the best qualities of a player and a person. His legacy sets the standard for every English footballer coming after him.
He truly belongs among the best English football players ever.
Conclusion
English football has a rich history filled with amazing players, from the skill of Sir Bobby Charlton to the strength of Alan Shearer. This list honors 13 players who, in our view, have made a big mark on the game. Each of these legends brings something unique: leadership, goal-scoring, solid defense, and great entertainment. They’ve given us unforgettable moments and played key roles in some of the national team’s best times.
They are the heroes who have defined what it means to be one of the best English football players, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations for years to come.
People Also Ask About Best English Football Players
- Who did Messi say was the best English player?
Leo Messi: “I think Gerrard is England’s greatest ever footballer.”
- Who is the legend of England football?
Bobby Charlton is England’s all-time leading scorer at Wembley, putting 23 goals on the board in 44 matches. He kicked things off by scoring in his first five games there, which is a record for the national team.
- Who is the king of football all time top 10?
There’s no one official King of Football, but FIFA often calls Pelé that.
- Who is England’s football top scorer?
Harry Kane with 73 goals in 107 appearances.
- Who is the best scorer in the Premier League history?
Alan Shearer with 260 goals
Related Articles
