The 25 greatest English players of all time have been ranked - Wayne Rooney 3rd
Who is England’s greatest ever player?
If you’re old enough – and lucky enough – to have witnessed the Three Lions win their only World Cup in 1966, your answer is likely a member of that heroic squad.
However, those of a slightly younger generation aren’t quite spoiled for choice as we’ve experienced heartbreak after heartbreak when it comes to major international tournaments.
VOTE NOW: The GMS Player of the Season Fan Awards
But that’s not to say there haven’t been world-class players representing England in recent years.
So, have you thought of an answer to the question yet?
Well, FourFourTwo had no interest in simply naming the greatest English player in history. Instead, they’ve attempted to name the 25 greatest in order.
The result? Well, let’s take a look:
25. Raheem Sterling
24. Michael Owen
23. John Terry
22. Glenn Hoddle
21. John Barnes
20. Frank Lampard
19. Billy Wright
18. Steven Gerrard
17. Tom Finney
16. Paul Scholes
15. Peter Shilton
14. Rio Ferdinand
13. Kevin Keegan
12. Ashley Cole
11. Stanley Matthews
10. Gary Lineker
9. Harry Kane
8. Alan Shearer
7. David Beckham
6. Paul Gascoigne
5. Gordon Banks
4. Jimmy Greaves
3. Wayne Rooney
2. Bobby Moore
1. Bobby Charlton
So, let’s break down FourFourTwo’s 25-1 ranking of England’s greatest ever players, shall we?
It was always going to be out of the legendary Charlton and Moore to get that No.1 spot. They were two of the most important players during the 1966 World Cup triumph as well as having incredible club careers for Man Utd and West Ham respectively. Charlton has been given the nod with Moore narrowly behind.
England and Manchester United record goalscorer, Rooney, completes the podium ahead of the brilliant Jimmy Greaves and Gordon Banks.
While he may