"JGT’s 10 Greatest English Footballers of All-Time"
Post on: February 1, 2019
When it comes to football greats, the Brazilians comes to mind. The real McCoys to the “Beautiful Game”– personified through its dazzle, flair and individual accomplishments. They continue to tantalise the world with their artistry and dominion on the pitch. I suppose everyone would agree except the Argentinians.
It is undeniable that the Samba and Salsa rule the soccer fraternity, exemplified by Pele and Maradona. In the modern game, Neymar and Messi (their heirs).
The world stood spellbound as Maradona, the mercurial genius “singlehandedly” clinched the World Cup for Argentina in 1986 with his fancy footwork and the “Hand of God”. I was fortunate to bear testament to such wizardry – watching it live on TV.
Nevertheless, I grew up having an affinity for the English Football League with my chums and it has a special place in our hearts. England may not have produced the best in the world stage but they have many memorable players who never fail to titillate. It is a daunting task but we have chosen our top 10 English players of all-time.
10. Alan Shearer was included in the FIFA 100 world’s greatest living players list by Pele in 2004. His goal scoring prowess is second to none – his name is chronicled in the English Premier League’s (formed in 1992) records as the greatest ever goalscorer. A legend at Newcastle, he rejected a move to Manchester United – not once but Twice!
9. Bryan Robson is affectionately known as “Captain Marvel”. He captained Manchester United and England and was the man who worked under two great managers at United, Ron Atkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson and excelled under their tutelage. He was arguably the most accomplished skipper.
8. Michael Owen became the youngest footballer ever to play and score for England during his time. Known as the wonderkid, he was the recipient of the revered Ballon d’Or award and played at the highest level, representing Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
7. Paul Gascoigne was pronounced “the most naturally gifted English midfielder of his generation” by the National Football Museum. A notable quote from Bryan Robson: “I always say Gazza is the best player I’ve played with. In 1990 he was just unbelievable in the World Cup … He was challenging Maradona as the best player in the world at that time.”
6. John Barnes — considered a legend at Liverpool, he was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice. In 2005, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame. He ended his illustrious career with England as the country’s most capped black footballer, a record then.
5. Gary Lineker was English football’s most famous striker in the 1980s and early 1990s. He was lethal in the penalty box with his unique mixture of skill, intelligence and magic. He won the prestigious Golden Boot award in the 1986 World Cup.
4. Paul Scholes was one of the most decorated footballers in history. He was a leading figure in England and Manchester United, the only club he represented in his career. A fitting tribute from Zinedine Zidane: “My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder.”
3. Gordan Banks is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time with his numerous awards and feats. It is forever etched in every football fan’s mind – “The Save” that denied Pele in the 1970 World Cup, theatrics considered to be the greatest save of all time.
2. Kevin Keegan has the honour of being two times European football of the year (Ballon d’Or winner). He was an enigma – he could head, shoot, pass and waltz through any fortress with finesse. An all-time favourite at Liverpool, he was revered by both teammates and foes alike.
1. Bobby Charlton scored great goals for Manchester United and England. His performance in the 1966 World Cup was instrumental in England winning it. The Ballon d’Or winner was renowned for his attacking prowess and ferocious long-range shots which he often unleashed to score goals from midfield. Our unanimous pick as the number 1 English footballer of all-time.
My brother went through the list and was indignant: “How could you have left out Bobby Moore?” he opined. “Moore was the only English Captain to have lifted the World Cup. It is sacrilegious to have excluded him. The great Pele once acclaimed that Moore was the toughest defender he ever faced… What more accolades is needed?” he demanded.
Another female friend interjected, “Why isn’t Beckham included? He’s the world’s greatest ‘celebrity’ footballer and ‘dead ball specialist’ — he deserves more respect.”
I agree with their views wholeheartedly. However, I can only pick 10 and it’s indeed a happy problem to have a bumper crop. It bespeaks the plethora of talents we’ve seen over the years.
By Shaji Thomas Varughese
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