England’s Greatest 23-Man Squad of All Time

September 16, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

AI has built the ultimate 23-man England squad — a mix of World Cup winners, Premier League icons, and modern superstars. From the safe hands of Gordon Banks to the goals of Harry Kane, these players represent the very best England has ever produced. Here’s the full squad, with each legend given their own headline.

Gordon Banks

The hero of 1966 and the man behind the save of the century against Pele in 1970, Banks remains England’s most celebrated keeper. His presence defined an era.

Peter Shilton

With 125 caps, Shilton’s consistency across two decades set the standard for English goalkeeping. His longevity made him irreplaceable.

David Seaman

Seaman’s Euro ’96 saves and club success with Arsenal earned him legendary status, combining reliability with big-match temperament.

Gary Neville

A defensive rock for both Manchester United and England, Neville’s consistency and leadership made him the benchmark for full-backs.

Kyle Walker

Walker’s pace and adaptability at right-back and centre-back cement his place as one of the modern era’s most vital defenders.

Bobby Moore

England’s World Cup-winning captain in 1966, Moore was grace and intelligence personified. He remains the nation’s greatest defensive leader.

John Terry

Fearless, uncompromising, and dominant in the air, Terry embodied the art of English defending. His Chelsea and England careers were built on sheer grit.

Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand brought a new style to English defending — composed, quick, and technically superb. He was the complete modern centre-back.

Sol Campbell

Campbell’s strength and physical dominance made him a nightmare for strikers. He thrived at major tournaments and anchored England’s back line.

Ashley Cole

Regarded as one of the world’s best left-backs, Cole’s battles with Cristiano Ronaldo became iconic. His defensive nous was unmatched.

Stuart Pearce

“Psycho” Pearce symbolised England’s grit. His ferocious tackling and iconic Euro ’96 penalty celebration define his enduring legacy.

Declan Rice

Still writing his story, Rice already stands out for his defensive awareness, calmness, and leadership in midfield. He represents England’s future.

Steven Gerrard

A true box-to-box player, Gerrard’s thunderous strikes and driving runs made him one of England’s most influential midfielders.

Bryan Robson

Robson’s stamina, tackling, and goals made him the ultimate all-rounder. He was the heartbeat of England’s midfield for a generation.

Paul Gascoigne

Gazza’s flair, dribbling, and passion lit up Italia ’90 and Euro ’96. A genius with the ball, he remains England’s most gifted entertainer.

Bobby Charlton

Charlton’s goals, leadership, and role in the 1966 triumph made him England’s greatest attacking midfielder. A symbol of grace and resilience.

Stanley Matthews

Photo: ALLYOU Grzegorz Wasowicz / Shutterstock.com

The first Ballon d’Or winner, Matthews dazzled with his skills for three decades. Football’s first global superstar, he inspired generations.

John Barnes

Barnes’ creativity and dribbling made him one of England’s finest wingers. His brilliance for Liverpool and the Three Lions still echoes today.

Raheem Sterling

Sterling’s pace, goals, and Euro 2020 heroics secure his spot. At his peak, he was one of the most dangerous wingers in world football.

Harry Kane

England’s all-time top scorer, Kane’s clinical finishing and leadership make him the defining striker of his generation.

Alan Shearer

The Premier League’s record goalscorer, Shearer was power, precision, and relentlessness personified. He led the line like no other.

Wayne Rooney

United’s all-time leading scorer, Rooney’s mix of creativity, energy, and goals made him indispensable. A fiery leader for club and country.

Jimmy Greaves

Greaves’ instinctive finishing and record-breaking goal tallies remain unmatched. A true poacher, he is England’s forgotten superstar.

Alf Ramsey

The only man to lead England to a major trophy, Ramsey masterminded the 1966 World Cup win. His tactical genius defined English football history.