Although the England soccer team hasn’t won much international silverware, the Three Lions have had some great players. Most notably from the 1966 generation, but there are, of course, a good few more since. These are eight of their best, in soccer history.
Moore was the captain, the only one to have lifted the World Cup, and played 108 games for England. He also played in the 1970 World Cup, where he played his last World Cup games. Overall, Moore was a great defender for both club and country.
One of Moore’s England teammates proved a star of the 1966 final. Hurst scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final, a record number of goals in a final. In addition, Hurst scored further goals against Argentina and Romania in the 1970 World Cup. A great striker, Hurst scored key goals when it really mattered.
Charlton was an attacking midfielder who scored 49 goals for the Three Lions, which was a record for decades. Overall, he was a fine midfield player who outscored some great England strikers playing for the Three Lions. One of his best games was the 1966 World Cup semi-final in which he scored both goals to get England into the final. Charlton was a considerable attacking threat in midfield with excellent passing and explosive long-range shooting.
Greaves was one of England’s best strikers. He played 52 games and scored 44 goals overall, which is one of the best goals-per-game ratios for the Three Lions. Had Greaves played a few more games, then he could have eclipsed the current record.
Shilton has played the most games for England, with over 100 games. He played 125 games for England, with a debut in the 1972 European Championship. One of the great goalkeepers, Shilton played in the 1990 World Cup and the semi-final against Germany, in addition to other World Cups.
Keegan did not play in the best England teams, but few will doubt that he is one of the great players. Keegan played 62 games for England and scored 21 goals. Overall, Keegan was also twice European Player of the Year and was formidable for Liverpool.
One of the best players of more recent times, Beckham has played over 100 games for his country. He was a fine midfield player, with super crossing and set-piece play. Beckham’s best moment was his terrific free-kick against Greece that secured 2002 World Cup qualification.
Kane is the most prolific striker in England’s history. He has scored 78 goals for the Three Lions to date, a record number that’s still increasing. Kane is a complete forward with elite finishing, who also sometimes drops deeper into midfield to become more of a playmaker, with 19 assists.
All of those players are a part of the English soccer hall of fame. Players like Charlton, Kane, and Shilton have set records for England. The likes of Moore, Beckham, Charlton, Keegan, and Hurst have been great stars for the Three Lions.
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