Top 10 England Footballers (post 1966)

Since England’s World Cup success in 1966 the team have had mixed fortunes varying from unlucky losers on penalties, to failure to qualify for tournaments.  It is therefore difficult to measure the relative merits of players from different eras but here goes.  A later post will cover pre 1966.

1) Bobby Charlton

Caps 106, Goals 49

A Survivor of the Munich disaster, Bobby made his England debut in 1958 with a goal against Scotland. Went on to a distinguished international career and was an integral part of the 1966 World Cup winning team.  Always played with grace and power and a real gentleman of the game.

2) Bobby Moore

Caps 108 Goals Goals 2
A stylish defender and great leader who captained England to World Cup glory in 1966.  Became something of an icon to England and West ham fans and was England’s record outfield cap holder until overtaken by David Beckham.  Sadly died in 1993 at the age of 51.

3) Gary Lineker

Caps 80 Goals 48
One of England’s all time greatest goal scorers who had a knack of scoring important goals.  Was an integral part of the 1990 World Cup team, which went so close to reaching the final.  He was controversially substituted by England coach Graham Taylor, against Sweden at Euro 82 ultimately denying him the chance to equal Charlton’s record of 49 goals. He was visibly upset at the decision, not looking at Taylor as he took the bench and never played for his country again.  Very unusually was never booked or sent off in any match in his career.

4) David Beckham

Caps 115 Goals 17
You either love him or hate him but there is no denying the impact  He has had in England since he made his international debut in 1996.  Sometimes controversial and sometimes inspired he has become an integral part of the squad and although approaching the end of his career still forms part of Fabio Capello’s plans for the 2010 World Cup.

5) Peter Shilton

Caps 125
England’s record cap holder and dominated the goalkeeping position for may years despite strong competition.  It is a close call between Peter and World Cup winner Gordon Banks however Shilton wins on sheer longevity and number of caps.

6) Michael Owen

Caps 89 Goals 40
Included due to his goalscoring record with a superb ratio of goals to games and an amazing impact as a teenager against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.  May well have become England’s all time top scorer but plagued by injury for the last few years and does not appear to be part of Fabio Capello’s plans for the 2010 tournament.

7) Bryan Robson

Caps 90 goals 26
Became England’s ‘Captain Marvel’ for his driving performances as captain.  Never quite achieved as much as he might have done at the big tournaments where he was unlucky with injuries but still a major influence.

Geoff Hurst

Caps 49 Goals 24
Not a prolific number of caps but an excellent ratio and how can you overlook his contribution in 1966.  Lucky to be in the team during the latter part of the competition due to an injury to Jimmy Greaves, but took hos chance in spectacular style.

9) Wayne Rooney

Caps 57 Goals 25
England’s most effective player in the current squad with an excellent record since making his debut as the then youngest cap in 2003.  England’s youngest goalscorer and probably their best chance of success in 2010 provided he stays fit (and doesn’t get sent off)

10) Alan Shearer

Caps 63 Goals 30
Ok, I admit this one is a bit of an indulgence however as joint 5th top all time scorer, with a determined winning attitude and an excellent ratio of goals to games I feel he justifies inclusion.  Discuss.