The 20 Greatest English Footballers of All Time – Ranked

May 20, 2025 Oliver Obel

England has given the football world some of its most influential and talented players — game-changers, pioneers, and leaders. While trophies don’t always tell the full story, their influence on club and country often speaks louder. Here’s my take on the top 20 English footballers ever, ranked not just by stats, but also by impact, legacy, and footballing brilliance — starting from 20 and climbing to the very best.

20. Jordan Pickford

Pickford is a tournament player through and through. His penalty shootout heroics and consistency under Southgate have quietly made him one of England’s most clutch goalkeepers of the modern era, despite his club-level inconsistency.

19. Stanley Matthews

Photo: ALLYOU Grzegorz Wasowicz / Shutterstock.com

While a true pioneer and dribbling genius, the game has changed drastically since his time. His longevity and Ballon d’Or win deserve praise, but on a purely footballing level, he’d struggle to influence today’s game the same way.

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18. Ashley Cole

Often underappreciated, Cole was arguably the best left-back in the world during his prime. His battles with Cristiano Ronaldo defined an era, and his consistency at the highest level was unmatched for a full-back.

17. Jude Bellingham

Bellingham is still writing his story, but already shows leadership, maturity, and moments of magic beyond his years. If his trajectory continues, he could eventually top this list — but for now, he’s just breaking into greatness.

16. Michael Owen

Owen was electric in his youth and won the Ballon d’Or for a reason. Injuries held him back from being even greater, but his goal against Argentina in 1998 will forever define his career and a generation of English fans.

15. Peter Shilton

The most capped England player, Shilton was incredibly consistent, though sometimes overly cautious. He lacks the highlight reel of Banks or Pickford, but his reliability was his superpower.

14. Paul Scholes

Criminally underused by England managers, Scholes’ talent was better appreciated abroad than at home. A genius in midfield, he makes this list for his sheer technical brilliance — not for his England legacy.

13. Kevin Keegan

Keegan doesn’t get enough credit. He won two Ballon d’Ors — something no other English player has done — and thrived in Germany at a time when English exports were rare. An electrifying talent.

12. Gary Lineker

A poacher with a supreme instinct for goal, Lineker always delivered when it mattered. His Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup and squeaky-clean discipline reflect both his ability and professionalism.

11. Frank Lampard

Lampard had a phenomenal knack for goals from midfield and an elite engine. His numbers are insane for a midfielder, and despite being overshadowed by Gerrard in public debate, his goal output makes him indispensable.

10. Steven Gerrard

Gerrard was pure drive, heart, and thunderbolts from 30 yards. While he didn’t win a Premier League title, he was a once-in-a-generation leader who elevated those around him. A midfield general and Liverpool legend.

9. Paul Gascoigne

Gazza wasn’t the most consistent, but at his peak, no one had his magic. His goal against Scotland and Euro ’96 performances remain some of England’s most iconic moments. A genius haunted by what could have been.

8. David Beckham

Beckham wasn’t just a celebrity — he was also a technician with one of the best right feet in football history. His leadership, service, and redemption arc with England made him a national treasure.

7. Jimmy Greaves

Greaves is perhaps the most underrated striker England ever had. His goal-per-game ratio is stunning, and had injury not ruled him out of the ’66 final, he might be remembered alongside Moore and Charlton.

6. Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer with his wife — Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Shearer was the perfect No. 9 — strong, ruthless, and clinical. His 260 Premier League goals will likely never be matched. At his peak, he was Europe’s most feared striker.

5. Gordon Banks

Banks is not just a World Cup winner, he produced the greatest save in football history against Pelé. Cool, composed, and a wall in goal, he’s the gold standard for English keepers.

4. Harry Kane

Already England’s all-time top scorer, Kane blends playmaking with finishing like no striker before him. He’s still going, and if he adds international silverware, he could rise even higher in this list.

3. Wayne Rooney

Rooney’s versatility, ferocity, and creativity make him more than just a goal scorer. He could play anywhere and still dominate. His early promise was met with longevity and record-breaking feats for club and country.

2. Bobby Moore

Captain. Leader. Icon. Moore’s composure and vision as a centre-back were years ahead of his time. Lifting the World Cup in 1966 cements his legacy as the greatest English defender ever.

1. Sir Bobby Charlton

No one embodies English football like Sir Bobby Charlton. He won the World Cup, scored spectacular goals, and survived the Munich disaster to become the heart of Manchester United. Technically sublime and fiercely loyal — he is England’s greatest.