English Soccer Legends: English football has produced some of the best players ever, each making a big impact on the national team and the sport globally. From brilliant strikers to skilled midfielders and strong defenders, these players have shown great talent and played key roles in important moments in England’s football history.
English Soccer Legends
In this article, we highlight the top 10 greatest English footballers, whose talent, leadership, and achievements have made them favorites among football fans worldwide.
1. David Beckham
- Date of Birth: May 2, 1975
- Position: Midfielder
David Beckham is one of the most famous soccer player in the world. He is known for his passing, free kicks, and leadership skills. He played 115 times for England and scored 17 goals. He started his career in 1996 and was the captain for many years, including the 2006 World Cup.
Beckham helped England qualify for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Even though he didn’t win major trophies during his career, he played well in the 2004 Euros and 2006 World Cup.
He was named England’s Player of the Year three times and was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1999. He was knighted in 2003 and helped Manchester United win the 1999 Champions League.
2. Sir Bobby Charlton
- Date of Birth: October 11, 1937
- Position: Midfielder/Forward
No footballer probably had a better nickname than Sir Bobby Charlton, a treble winner. He helped England win the 1966 World Cup, second only to his success at Manchester United.
Charlton earned 106 caps for England and scored 49 goals from 1958 to 1970. He was the top scorer in the 1966 World Cup with three goals.
Charlton also played in the 1968 European Championship. He was named England’s Player of the Year in 1968 and won the Ballon d’Or in 1966.
Charlton is remembered for his leadership and talent, with many awards celebrating his football career.
3. Steven Gerrard
- Date of Birth: May 30, 1980
- Position: Midfielder
Steven Gerrard is considered one of England’s best midfielders ever. He was played 114 matches and scored 21 goals for England.
Gerrard is known for his leadership and passing. He debuted in 2000, and England reached the quarter-finals in the 2004 Euro and 2006 World Cup.
Gerrard led Liverpool to many titles, including the 2005 Champions League. In 2005, he was named England’s Player of the Year, and in 2006, he won the PFA Player of the Year award.
4. Wayne Rooney
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1985
- Position: Forward
Wayne Rooney is England’s all-time record scorer, with 53 goals in 120 appearances. He made his debut in 2003 and played in major tournaments the 2004 European Championship, as well as the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
At the club level, he had a legendary career at Manchester United, winning many trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.
Rooney was named England’s Player of the Year twice.
5. Harry Kane
- Date of Birth: July 28, 1993
- Position: Forward
Harry Kane is England’s greatest goal scorer of all time, with Over 70 caps and over 50 goals. At his current rate, Kane could reach the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner’s score in just three years.
He made his debut in 2015 and played a key role as England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. While Kane hasn’t won major international titles with England, his goal-scoring ability and influence are crucial for the team.
Kane has been named England and PFA Player of the Year multiple times.
6. Bobby Moore
- Date of Birth: April 12, 1941
- Position: Defender
Bobby Moore is regarded as one of the best defenders ever and captained England to victory in the 1966 World Cup. He earned 108 caps for England and scored 2 goals. His calmness and leadership on the field made him stand out.
Moore played a key role in England’s World Cup win, especially in the final against West Germany. He was named England’s Player of the Year in 1967 and was later inducted into the FIFA World Cup Hall of Fame.
7. Frank Lampard
- Date of Birth: June 20, 1978
- Position: Midfielder
Frank Lampard is one of England’s best midfielders, with 106 caps and 29 goals. He is known for his powerful shots and passing.
Lampard played for England in the 2004, 2006, and 2010 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004 and 2012. Although England didn’t win a major tournament, Lampard had many individual achievements.
In 2012, he helped Chelsea win the Champions League and was named PFA Player of the Year in 2005. He is also Chelsea’s all-time top scorer.
8. Alan Shearer
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1970
- Position: Forward
Alan Shearer is one of the Premier League’s greatest goal scorers, with 30 goals in 63 caps for England. He made his debut in 1992 and played in Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup. Shearer was known for his powerful shots and heading ability.
In 1996, he helped England reach the semi-finals. Although he didn’t win any major international titles, he was an important player for England in the 1990s.
Shearer won the Premier League Golden Boot three times and is still Newcastle United’s top scorer.
9. Paul Scholes
- Date of Birth: November 16, 1974
- Position: Midfielder
Paul Scholes was one of England’s best midfielders, known for his technical skills and passing. He earned 66 caps and scored 14 goals, but his main highlight was his distinctive ginger hair.
Scholes played in the 2000 and 2004 European Championships but didn’t win major international trophies. However, he helped Manchester United win many Premier League and Champions League titles during his career.
Scholes was named PFA Player of the Year in 2003.
10. Michael Owen
- Date of Birth: December 14, 1979
- Position: Forward
Michael Owen was a great forward who earned 89 caps for England and scored 40 goals. He was a key player for England in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
At the 1998 World Cup, Owen won the Golden Boot, scoring four goals. He also played in the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2000. During his time at Liverpool, Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001.
Although his major successes were mostly at the club level, Owen’s impressive goal-scoring record and a few national titles made him a standout player.