The Top 5 Greatest English Footballers Ever
England is the cradle of modern football, as we know it today. Yet, the enthusiasm for this sport has always been immense, rivaling only the excitement that casinos and the best online gambling deals generate. But, it makes sense that this country has produced some of the best football players of all time. Explore this ranking that features players from different periods, from the ’50s to the 21st century, including the golden generation that won the 1966 World Cup. So, here are the top 5 of the best English footballers ever.
5. Jimmy Greaves
Jimmy Greaves, the revered English striker, holds unmatched records in football. With 357 goals, he reigns as the all-time leading scorer in English football, while also ranking fourth in international goals for England with 44. Notably, he remains Tottenham’s top scorer, having netted an impressive 266 goals.
Moreover, Greaves, a Chelsea debutant in 1957, scored 124 goals during his four-year stint. After a brief stint at AC Milan, he rejoined England and joined Tottenham. There, he secured two FA Cups and a Cup Winners Cup triumph in 1963.
Furthermore, Jimmy Greaves participated in his second World Cup in 1966 but was injured in the group stage. He was replaced by Geoff Hurst and did not play in the final.
4. Tom Finney
Tom Finney is one of the best English players of the 50s. He was a very skillful dribbler, who could play as a central striker or on the wings.
Finney stayed with Preston North End for his whole career, from 1946 to 1960. He played 433 games and scored 187 times for his club. So, considered a Preston legend, Finney is most admired for his loyalty to his hometown club.
With the England team, Tom Finney took part in 3 World Cups, in 1950, 1954, and 1958. In total, he played 76 games for the national team and scored 30 goals, making him one of the top scorers in the history of the Three Lions.
3. Stanley Matthews
Sir Stanley Matthews, an English football legend, captivates with his enduring legacy. Spanning from 1931 to 1965, his remarkable 34-year career stands as a testament to his greatness. Even at the age of 48, Matthews’s brilliance earned him the coveted title of the league’s best player in 1963.
Stanley Matthews, the legendary footballer, retired at 50 after remarkable spells of 19 seasons at Stoke City and 14 seasons at Blackpool. Known as ‘The wizard of the dribble,’ he dazzled with his exceptional dribbling skills and was highly regarded for his precise passing as a right-wing player.
Football may be seen as a man’s game, but Sir Stanley Matthews was the perfect gentleman. He was one of those rare players who never received a card in his career. He also became immortal in history as the first winner of the Ballon d’Or.
2. Bobby Moore
Bobby Moore is simply one of the best English players ever. In fact, he is the only person in history to have led England to a World Cup victory in 1966.
Before he lifted the trophy, Moore had already started to earn recognition on the domestic scene. As, he was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for his amazing achievements in 1964 with West Ham.
1. Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton is undoubtedly one of the best players in the history of football. He was a striker of unparalleled finesse and had a unique vision of the game. Moreover, known for his long shots that looked like rockets, the Englishman also knew how to dominate with his dribbling.
On the other hand, Bobby Charlton is also the iconic player in the rebuilding of Manchester United after the tragedy of Munich in 1958. And, this is the club in which he spent most of his career, and with which he won all his trophies. Furthermore, in 17 years in Manchester, he won the league three times, an FA Cup, and especially a Champions League in 1968.
By scoring 49 goals for England and 249 for Manchester United, Charlton was for a long time the top scorer in the history of the club and the country, before Wayne Rooney broke these records. Even today, Charlton is considered one of the best attacking midfielders of all time.
The Enduring Legacy: Bobby Charlton’s Influence on Football
Bobby Charlton played in three World Cups and played a vital role in England’s victory in the 1966 World Cup when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or. And, this makes him the only Englishman to have won three of the biggest trophies in football: the World Cup, the Champions League, and the Golden Ball.
These are great legends of English and even world football that continue to inspire new generations. In addition, if you are part of that huge group of people who lives and breathes football, you should take a look at our best betting brokers section and take your passion a step further.