(By Gorge the Croc for FootballPress.net)
A Croc's-Eye View: Sifting Through the Roars for England's Best
The Fans' Top 10 Contenders for Best English Player of All Time
1. Sir Bobby Charlton
Summary: A legend revered for his incredible achievements, resilience after Munich, and technical brilliance. Many fans pointed to his unique haul of World Cup, European Cup, and Ballon d'Or as making him the prime candidate for the best English player of all time. Born: 11 October 1937 (Ashington, Northumberland) | Died: 21 October 2023 Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward Key Clubs: Manchester United England Caps/Goals: 106 / 49 Approx Career Goals: ~260 Key Honours: FIFA World Cup (1966), Ballon d'Or (1966), European Cup (1968), 3x First Division Titles
2. Wayne Rooney
Summary: Dominated discussion among fans of the modern era. His power, goalscoring records for England and Man Utd, and trophy cabinet were frequently cited. While some fans questioned his tournament impact for England later in his career, his overall talent and statistical achievements place him firmly in the conversation for best English player ever. Born: 24 October 1985 (Croxteth, Liverpool) Position: Forward Key Clubs: Everton, Manchester United England Caps/Goals: 120 / 53 Approx Career Goals: ~366 Key Honours: 5x Premier League Titles, UEFA Champions League (2008), FA Cup, England Record Goalscorer (at retirement), Man Utd Record Goalscorer
3. Paul Gascoigne (Gazza)
Summary: If the debate focused purely on natural, mesmerising talent, Gazza was the name on many fans' lips. His performances at Italia '90 remain iconic. Fans acknowledged his issues but argued his peak genius was arguably unmatched by any other candidate for best English player of all time. Born: 27 May 1967 (Gateshead, County Durham) Position: Attacking Midfielder Key Clubs: Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers England Caps/Goals: 57 / 10 Approx Career Goals: ~110 Key Honours: FA Cup (1991), PFA Young Player of the Year (1988), 2x Scottish Premier Division Titles
4. Steven Gerrard
Summary: Hailed by many fans, particularly Liverpool supporters, as the ultimate modern midfielder. His leadership, ability to single-handedly win games, and all-around completeness (scoring, tackling, passing) were emphasized. Often described as the driving force who carried teams, staking his claim as one of England's finest. Born: 30 May 1980 (Whiston, Merseyside) Position: Midfielder Key Clubs: Liverpool England Caps/Goals: 114 / 21 Approx Career Goals: ~212 Key Honours: UEFA Champions League (2005), FA Cup (2x), UEFA Cup (2001), PFA Players' Player of the Year (2006)
5. Bobby Moore
Summary: England's only World Cup-winning captain. Fans revered his elegance, intelligence, leadership, and iconic status. Seen as arguably the greatest defender England has ever produced, his unique achievement and class make him a cornerstone of any discussion about the best English player of all time. Born: 12 April 1941 (Barking, Essex) | Died: 24 February 1993 Position: Centre-back Key Clubs: West Ham United, Fulham England Caps/Goals: 108 / 2 Approx Career Goals: ~27 Key Honours: FIFA World Cup (1966), European Cup Winners' Cup (1965), FA Cup (1964), FWA Footballer of the Year (1964)
6. Alan Shearer
Summary: The Premier League's undisputed goal king. Fans admired his ruthless finishing, aerial ability, loyalty to Newcastle, and sheer volume of goals. His record haul in England's top flight guarantees his place among the contenders for the greatest English striker, if not the outright best English player. Born: 13 August 1970 (Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne) Position: Striker Key Clubs: Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United England Caps/Goals: 63 / 30 Approx Career Goals: ~409 Key Honours: Premier League Title (1995), 3x Premier League Golden Boot, PFA Players' Player of the Year (1995, 1997), Premier League Record Goalscorer
7. Harry Kane
Summary: England's current captain and record goalscorer. Fans highlighted his elite finishing, evolving playmaking skills, and relentless consistency. While the lack of major team trophies was noted by some fans as a current drawback in the 'all-time' debate, his individual records and importance for club and country make him a major modern contender. Born: 28 July 1993 (Walthamstow, London) Position: Striker Key Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich England Caps/Goals: 93 / 64 (Correct as of June 2024, ongoing) Approx Career Goals: ~450+ (Ongoing) Key Honours: 3x Premier League Golden Boot, FIFA World Cup Golden Boot (2018), England Record Goalscorer
8. David Beckham
Summary: A global icon whose contribution divided some fans but was passionately defended by many. His set-piece mastery, crossing ability, work rate, and iconic moments for England (especially that Greece free-kick) were frequently mentioned. His impact and ability to drag England through qualification campaigns solidified his place for many fans. Born: 2 May 1975 (Leytonstone, London) Position: Midfielder (Right) Key Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, PSG England Caps/Goals: 115 / 17 Approx Career Goals: ~146 Key Honours: 6x Premier League Titles, UEFA Champions League (1999), La Liga Title (2007), 2x MLS Cup
9. Sir Stanley Matthews
Summary: A true pioneer and the first-ever Ballon d'Or winner. Fans cited his incredible longevity (playing top-flight until 50), mesmerising dribbling skills ("The Wizard of the Dribble"), and legendary status. Represents a golden age and foundational excellence in the history of English football. Born: 1 February 1915 (Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent) | Died: 23 February 2000 Position: Outside Right (Winger) Key Clubs: Stoke City, Blackpool England Caps/Goals: 54 / 11 Approx Career Goals: ~80 Key Honours: Ballon d'Or (1956), FA Cup (1953), 2x FWA Footballer of the Year (1948, 1963)
10. Jimmy Greaves
Summary: Championed by fans as perhaps the most natural and prolific goalscorer England has ever produced. His astonishing strike rate for clubs and country, and status as England's highest-ever top-flight scorer, were highlighted. Fans argued his injury before the '66 final unfairly overshadows his claim as one of the very best. Born: 20 February 1940 (Manor Park, Essex) | Died: 19 September 2021 Position: Striker Key Clubs: Chelsea, AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United England Caps/Goals: 57 / 44 Approx Career Goals: ~422 Key Honours: European Cup Winners' Cup (1963), FA Cup (1962, 1967), 6x First Division Top Scorer, England's Record Top-Flight Goalscorer, Tottenham Hotspur Record Goalscorer
Dissecting the Debate: Talent vs. Trophies vs. Time
Achievement: Players like Charlton and Moore, with the ultimate prize of a World Cup, often get the nod from fans valuing silverware above all. Rooney and Beckham's club honours are also significant factors. Raw Talent: Gascoigne is the prime example here, but players like Gerrard, Rooney, and older legends like Matthews were also cited for their innate gifts, even if their trophy cabinets varied. Statistics: Shearer's Premier League record and Greaves' overall tallies are hard to argue with for fans focused on goalscoring prowess. Rooney and Kane's England records also fall into this category. Era Dominance & Longevity: Matthews playing until 50 is remarkable. Charlton and Moore defined the 60s. Rooney, Gerrard, and Lampard were key figures of the Premier League's global boom. Kane leads the current era. How players stacked up against their contemporaries matters to fans.