Tell me your England Greats Post-War All-Time England Great X1 1 Gordon Banks
Gordon Banks 1963 -72 Caps 73
Banksie is reknownded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to grace the world game. One defining moment in his history was the save he made from a Pele header in the World Cup Finals in 1970, regarded as the finest save in football history, Banks turned what looked like a certain goal against the bar and away for a corner. Banks was the first England goalkeeper to keep ten clean sheets and ended with 35 shut-outs at international level. He was an integral member of the 1966 England World Cup winning team and was the Outstanding Keeper of the Tournament. His career was brought to a premature end in 1972 when he was involved in a car crash in which he lost the use of an eye, although he continued in the game as a goalkeeping coach. Jimmy Armfield 1959-66 Caps 43
Jimmy Armfield played over 600 games for his hometown club, Blackpool. His international career spanned seven years during which time he became known as one of the most accomplished right-backs in the game. The highlight of Armfield's international career was the 1962 World Cup Finals in Chili. His outstanding performance led him to be voted the Best Right-Back in the World. Armfield was a squad member for the 1966 World Cup and indeed captained the side in the run up to the Finals but was replaced by the younger George Cohen in the tournament. His immaculate, temperament earned him the nickname 'Gentleman Jim'. Armfield went on to manager Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United and today commentates on radio, football still remaining his first love. Stuart Pearce 1987- Caps 72 Goals 5
Stuart Pearce is still one of the most respected left-backs in the world and his strength and determination in the tackle is legendary. Although he has the reputation of a hardman, his timing is constantly impeccable and he has the balance to recover quickly after one of his crunching tackles, often more quickly than his opponents. Pearce made his England debut in a 1-1 draw with Brazil in 1987. He possesses a thunderous shot and is an excellent free-kick specialist and penalty taker. During the Euro '96 finals Pearce converted two penalties in shoot-outs. The image of Pearce after the penalty against Spain will live in the memory forever, the sour memories of 'that missed penalty' against West Germany in the World Cup semi-finals of 1990 all but erased. Pearce continues to amaze even at the ripe old age of 34 and his patriotism to the England cause is unquestioned. Stuart Pearce has stayed loyal to his club Nottingham Forest, staying with them through relegation even though he could have walked into any side in the country. Billy Wright 1946-59 Caps 105 Goals 3
Billy Wright was a Shropshire lad made good, making football history, a model professional without a blemish on his long and illustrious career. Wright always full of zest was a hard and purposeful player and spent 13 years in the England team, he was rarely injured and only missed three games in that period a record unlikely ever to be matched. Wright captained his country a record 90 times and was the first player to record 100 caps for his country. After Englands disastrous defeat to Hungary in 1953 Wright was only one of three players to survive the axe and that says so much for the consistent centre-half. He was a captain by example, declining to shout but always cajoling his players. Perhaps his two greatest qualities were his perception and speed of recovery when drawn out of position. Despite early criticism that amore flamboyant captain could have been chosen, he rose above it to become one of the greatest leaders on the field. At club level he led Wolves to FA and League Championship victories. Bobby Moore 1962-73 Caps 108 Goals 2
Bobby Moore was the natural successor to Billy Wright in the England team. Moore, like Wright, brought the same level of sportmanship and temperament to the England team. It was these qualities that enabled him to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966 made even more special by the fact it was home soil, an honour few captains have experienced. Moore made his England debut in 1962 in Peru, just prior to playing in the first of his three World Cup campaigns. The fact that he captained his country in 91 of his 108 internationals is testimony enough to his remarkable ability to lead by example. Moore and his international mananger Alf Ramsey had a magnificent understanding and respect for one another. Moore was drawn into controversy prior to the World Cup Finals of 1970 but as usual handled the world-wide press attention with dignity.Bobby Moore played for West ham for most of his career, opting to join Fulham when a veteran. When Bobby Moore died in 1993 after suffering from cancer, the whole footballing world went into mourning. England could not have wished for a finer captain or ambassador. Stanley Matthews 1934-57 Caps 54 Goals 3
Stanley Matthews was a footballing legend in his own lifetime. The fact that he only won 54 caps was only because the rival for his England place was Tom Finney. Matthews earned the moniker 'The Wizard of Dribble' and stands out as the one of the most skilful England players of all-time and unquestionably the finest right-footed dribbler in the history of the game. He made his England debut at the age of 19 and won his last cap at the age of 42. Seventeen of his 54 caps were won before the war.He is the only player to receive a knighthood whilst still playing and was voted the Outstanding English Player in the World Cup 1954. Wherever Matthews played large crowds would be drawn, his name synonymous with England, there has never been another quite like him and it is unlikely there ever will. Bryan Robson 1980-92 Caps 90 Goals 26
'Captain Marvel' played 90 times for England in an international career that lasted 12 years. Unfortunately due to his robust style of play he was prone to his fair share of injuries. If not for his injuries Robson would have gone on to become England's most capped outfield player. Robson, a born leader and world-class leader, captained his team on 65 occasions. In the opening game of the 1982 World Cup Finals, against France, Robson scored after only 27 seconds and then added another later in the game. Injuries during both World Cup campaigns, 1986 and 1990 left England with little bite in mid-field, who knows what they could have achieved with Robson fit. Robson's box-to-box running was legendary and he was just as likely to make a last-ditch tackle as he was to tap the ball into the net. At club level Robson inspired Manchester United, who were known as the 'one man team' to FA Cup, Premiership and European Cup successes. Kevin Keegan 1972-82 Caps 63 Goals 21
Kevin Keegan was one of the first English 'superstars'. A part of the famous '70's Liverpool side he made his England debut at the tender age of 21. Keegan was an outstanding captain and a proficient goalscorer for his country. He was well respected as a player and was voted European Footballer of the Year twice. Keegan only appeared in one World Cup competition in Spain 1982, injury kept him out of side until the final game against the host nation where he appeared as a substitute. At club level Keegan achieved great success and was adored by fans wherever he travelled. Gary Lineker 1984-92 Caps 80 Goals 48
Gary Lineker was the England stiker who had everything, he is second in the all-time list of England goalscorers, finishing his career one goal behind Bobby Charlton. In his long and outstanding club and international career, Lineker was never booked, which helped him earn the nickname 'Goody Two Shoes' a moniker Lineker never warmed to. However, this never stopped him from performing his duties in the front-line, a proficient goalscorer with both feet and head. He won the 'Golden Boot' award at the Mexico World Cup finals with his haul of six goals. Lineker scored four goals at Italia '90 which nearly saw England reach their second World Cup Final, unfortunately it was not to be. Lineker's international career finished on a disappointing note in the European Championships 1992 when he was substituted against the host nation Sweden, his self-imposed retirement leaving a large gap in the England team. Bobby Charlton 1958-70 Caps 106 Goals 49
Bobby Charlton is a footballing legend, perhaps he and Pele being the two most famous names in the history of football. He came from a footballing , his elder brother Jack was alongside him when England won the World Cup and his uncle was 'Wor Jackie' Milburn. His record of 49 goals for England has never been beaten and nor is it likely to be. There are numerous reasons for Charlton's fame, a survivor of the Munich air disaster, his quiet unassuming personality, a gentleman and his ability to play a varied attacking role for both club and country. His three goals in the 1966 World Cup finals all helped England to reach the final and he played in the 1962 and 1970 finals also. Bobby Charlton's ferocious shot was feared the world over, matched with his pace and his ability to run with the ball, his all round game could not be matched by many in the world. At club level Bobby Charlton helped Sir Matt Busby achieve his dream in 1968 by helping Manchester united win the European Cup, the first English club to do so. Tom Finney 1946-59 Caps 76 Goals 30
Finney was a one-club man, making that club, Preston North End a force to be reckoned with. Finney was at his best when played as an out-and-out winger, he dribbled, passed, shot and headed with unerring accuracy. His tally of 30 goals from midfield for England was excellent and in one game against Portugal in 1950 he found the net four times. Finney although only a slight figure would never shirk his share of tackling. Nicknamed the 'Preston Plumber' his balance was a joy to behold and he was a supreme penalty taker.
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