football

Football is one of the most popular sports on the planet, and it has existed for quite some time. The roots of this beautiful sport can be traced back to the mid-19th century. At first, football was just a pastime activity, but it quickly transitioned into a well-organized conventional sport. 

This sport grew in the 1850s in England, where most of the world’s oldest clubs are located. Some of those clubs compete in the top-tier leagues, while others play in the lower-tier leagues. 

In this blog post, I’ll take you through the world’s top 10 oldest football clubs in the world. Moreover, all of these teams are active to this day. 

Keep reading, and find out which are the oldest football clubs ever!

#10 – Queen’s Park

Year of Establishment: 1867

The Queen’s Park is the oldest Scottish football club. Established in 1867, it has a long and rich history. Interestingly, the Scottish national team that played their first game in 1872 consisted only of players from Queen’s Park.

This football club in Glasgow plays in the Scottish League Two. Queen’s Park’s home stadium is Hampden Park, and it has a capacity of 3,700 seats.  

Regarding the trophies that this soccer club from Scotland has won, they lifted the Scottish Cup trophy ten times, 2 Scottish Second League trophies, 1 Scottish Third League trophy, and 2 Scottish Fourth League titles. The majority of those trophies were won in the 19th century.  

#9 – Nottingham Forest 

Year of Establishment: 1865

One of the oldest football clubs in the world is the legendary English team—Nottingham Forest. This club was established back in 1865 by three players of a Scottish game called Shinty, which is played by using a stick and a ball. 

Nottingham Forest is an English club located in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Premier League. Its home stadium is City Ground, which has a capacity of 30,445 seats. 

Nottingham Forest has won many trophies throughout the club’s history. The golden era of this team was when they dominated Europe, winning two European Champion Clubs’ Cups in a row,  in 1979 and 1980. Also, Nottingham Forest was a one-time English champion, two-time FA Cup winner, four-time English League Cup winner, three-time English Second League winner, and one-time English Third League winner. 

The most notable club figures were Brian Clough, the famous manager, and players such as Roy Keane, Peter Shilton, Nigel Clough, and Stuart Pearce. 

#8 – Wrexham AFC

Year of Establishment: 1864

Wrexham AFC happens to be the oldest football club in the country of Wales. It was founded in 1864 by a group of Wrexham Cricket Club members who wanted to find a sport they could play in winter. 

The home stadium of Wrexham AFC is the Racecourse Ground and has approximately 10,000 available seats for the fans. 

This 150-year-old Welsh soccer club has had its highs and lows. Over the years, Wrexham AFC has won the Welsh Cup 23 times, 1 Football League trophy, and 1 English 3rd Tier title. However, they have also faced relegation and struggled financially more than a few times in their history. 

In 2021, this Welsh club started a new chapter when the club was bought by famous actors Rob McElhenney as well as Ryan Reynolds. These Hollywood actors became the new owners hoping to take this club to a whole new level. 

#7 – Brigg Town FC

Year of Establishment: 1864

Brigg Town holds the No.7 spot on the list of the oldest soccer clubs in history. Nicknamed “The Zebras”, this English club was founded in 1864. Brigg Town FC is located in Lincolnshire and plays in the Northern Counties East League. The league they play in happens to be the 10th tier of English football. 

The Brigg Town team’s home stadium is the Hawthorns, which can hold nearly 2,500 supporters. 

In 1948, Brigg Town FC became one of the founders of the Lincolnshire League. Throughout its history, Brigg Town FC has lifted the trophy of that same league eight times. Other trophies they’ve won are two FA Vases, one Northern Counties East League title, one Midland League title, and so on. 

#6 – Royal Engineers AFC

Year of Establishment: 1863

Royal Engineers AFC is an English football club that represents the British Army or the Corps of Royal Engineers, to be more exact. This team was established in 1863, and they’re located in Chatham, Kent. 

Royal Engineer’s home ground is called the “Number One Ground,” and it holds approximately 500 available seats. The club plays in the Army Football Association, and throughout the years, they’ve won a plethora of trophies: 1 FA Cup, 1 FA Amateur Cup, and 1 Munster Senior Cup too. Royal Engineers AFC were also FA Cup runners-up in 1872, 1874, and 1878. 

This English club also plays games with numerous military football teams worldwide. Apart from football, Royal Engineers AFC supports numerous charitable activities and holds fundraisers for military personnel and their families. 

#5 – Stoke City FC or Stoke Ramblers

Year of Establishment: 1863

Stoke City FC is the fifth oldest soccer club in history. It was founded in 1863 and was originally called the Stoke Ramblers, but it was renamed Stoke City FC in 1925. The club’s home ground is the Bet365 stadium, which can hold 30,000 seats. Nicknamed “The Potters,” this club was one of the founders of the Football League, which was established in 1888. 

Stoke City has primarily played in top-tier English football leagues such as the Premier League as well as the Championship. 

This club has amassed the following accolades throughout its history: 1 English League Cup, 2 English 2nd Tier League titles, and 1 English 3rd Tier title. 

Stoke City has had several exceptional players, such as Sir Stanley Matthews, Gordon Banks, Denis Smith, and Freddie Steele. 

#4 – Notts County

Year of Establishment: 1862

Notts County is the 4th oldest soccer club in the world, established in 1862. There were 12 founders of the Football League back in 1888, and this English football club was one of them. The home stadium of Notts County is Meadow Lane, with 19,000 available seats.

Moreover, they wear jerseys with black and white stripes like the Italian football giant—Juventus. 

This club was present in the first couple of decades of the English top-tier League, and after that, they stayed in the lower divisions. Throughout its history, Notts County lifted many trophies like 1 FA Cup, 3 English 2nd tier league titles, and 3 English 4th tier league titles. 

Jack Grealish is the greatest player of Notts County and the most expensive player ever from England since he joined Manchester City for $139 million in 2021.

#3 – Cray Wanderers FC

Year of Establishment: 1860

Cray Wanderers FC was established in 1860, and it’s the oldest football club in London. Their home stadium is the Hayes Lane, which can hold approximately 5,000 fans. 

Cray Wanderers FC was formed when railway workers started spending their free time kicking a ball, and from then on, the club began to grow. This English football club was a professional club from 1895 until 1907, and after that period, they started competing on a semi-professional level. 

Since it was founded, Cray Wanderers has won the following trophies: 1 Isthmian League Division One title, 4 Kent League titles, 2 London League titles, 4 Kent Amateur Cup trophies, etc. 

#2 – Hallam FC

Year of Establishment: 1860

The second oldest football club in the world is Hallam FC, which was founded in 1860. Their home stadium is Sandygate, which has been shared with Halland Cricket Club since they were founded 160 years ago.  The Guinness Book of World Records has acknowledged that this club’s home ground is the oldest in history, having opened its gates in 1804.

Hallam FC has had its ups and downs during its existence, but they’re still active. This football club has won numerous trophies over the years. But, the most important one was the Youdan Cup in 1867, which was the first-ever football tournament in the world. Also, in 2022, Hallam FC was the winner of the Northern Counties East League. 

#1 – Sheffield United FC 

 

Year of Establishment: 1857

The oldest football club in the world is Sheffield United FC. This English soccer club was established in 1857, and even FIFA has acknowledged it as the oldest club of all time. Their home stadium is Bramall Lane, with a capacity of over 32,000 fans. 

This club was founded by a group of members of the Sheffield Cricket Club. What’s interesting about Sheffield United is that it is the first team to have “United” as a part of a club’s name in England. 

Throughout it’s 160-year history, Sheffield United has competed in the best English leagues, and they often played in either the Premier League or the Championship. They won a plethora of trophies: 1x English Champions, 4x FA Cup, 1x English 2nd tier champion, 1x English 3rd tier Champion, and 1x English 4th tier company. 

Featured image taken from YouTube.

Every football fan across the globe will tell you that a superb stadium is just as important to the overall experience as the teams that play the match. The stadium’s thrilling atmosphere can make boring matches seem more fun and good matches appear even better. As a football fan myself, in this post, I will rank the best football stadiums in the world.

But how can we determine which are the very best football stadiums in the world? We can do so by considering the following factors: stadium capacity, the quality of the team that plays there, history, and the overall impact that they had on football. 

Now, let’s take a look at the top 10 best football stadiums in the world. 

#10 – Estadio Azteca

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

The list of the top 10 best football stadiums in the world starts with the biggest stadium in Mexico—Estadio Azteca. This legendary home ground of the Mexican national football team is located in Mexico City. Besides the team of Mexico, this team is also the home ground of Cruz Azul and Club America. Estadio Azteca was opened in 1966 and has a capacity of 83,264 seats. 

Many matches were played at the Estadio Azteca, but the most memorable was undoubtedly the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals between Argentina and England. In that same match, Maradona scored the controversial “Hand of God” goal as well as the “Goal of the century” when he dribbled past five English footballers and scored. 

That same year, Estadio Azteca hosted the 1986 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and West Germany. In addition, the 1970 FIFA World Cup final was played there too. 

#9 – Signal Iduna Park 

Location: Dortmund, Germany

When you combine the rich history of incredible matches and the electrifying atmosphere, you get one of the best football stadiums in the world—Signal Iduna Park. It was first opened in 1974, and it can hold 81,335 fans. 

Signal Iduna Park is situated in Dortmund, Germany, and it’s the home stadium of one of the greatest soccer teams in Germany—Borussia Dortmund. Every time Borussia plays, the fans eclipse the majority of the stadium with the legendary “Yellow Wall.” Moreover, the atmosphere made by the supporters of this club is a sight to behold.  

Besides Borussia Dortmund, Germany’s national team also plays their international matches in Signal Iduna Park.

This stadium, also known as Westfalenstadion, was purposefully built to host FIFA World Cup games in 1974. Brazil, Scotland, Zaire, and the Netherlands played opening games in this stadium. 

#8 – Anfield

Location: Liverpool, UK

One of the greatest football stadiums of all time is the home ground of Liverpool FC—Anfield. This stadium isn’t the biggest on the list since it has 54,000 available eats.  

Anfield was first opened in 1884, and the rest is history. 

Many historic matches and numerous trophies have been lifted inside it. Some of the biggest superstars in football have also played inside this stadium, such as Steven Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, John Barnes, and Mohamed Salah. 

The enthusiastic Liverpool fans who sit in the stands of Anfield are capable of instilling fear into even the best football teams in the world. When the opposition walks through Anfield’s tunnel and hears the renowned “You’ll Never Walk Alone” Liverpool FC hymn, they know the match will be tough. 

#7 – San Siro 

Location: Milan, Italy

The San Siro stadium is among the most iconic football home grounds of all time. Both Inter Milan as well as AC Milan play their matches in this beautiful stadium. This stadium is known as San Siro for AC Milan, while for Inter Milan supporters, it’s known as Giuseppe Meazza. The stadium has seen some incredible matches between the fierce rivals from the city of Milan, one of the biggest football rivalries in the world. 

San Siro was first opened in 1986, and it has a capacity of 75,817 seats.

What’s interesting about this stadium is its design. It ensures that every fan in the stands has the best possible view, no matter where they sit. The fact that the stadium’s architects had this in mind shows how much they cared about making a stadium that would improve the fans’ experience.  

The San Siro has hosted numerous games of the 1934 and 1990 FIFA World Cups. 

Many football legends have played in this sensational stadium, including Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten, Ronaldo, Javier Zanetti, and others. 

#6 – Maracana Stadium

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Maracana stadium is one of the most remarkable modern-day football coliseums, having witnessed a fair share of historic matches and exceptional players. It is the home ground of the Brazilian national soccer team and is situated in Rio de Janeiro. The gates of the Maracana stadium first opened in 1950, and the seating capacity of this stadium is 78,838. 

The Maracana has hosted many matches, but the most legendary was the 1950 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay. That day, 199,854 supporters were inside the stadium to watch the game. The number wasn’t officially verified, but to this day, that game is possibly the highest-attended match ever in football. Brazil unfortunately lost the game 2-1. 

Besides Brazil’s national team, Flamengo and Fluminense also play their home games at the Maracana stadium.  

#5 – Allianz Arena

Location: Munich, Germany

The Allianz Arena is one of the newest stadiums on this list since it was first opened in 2005. Moreover, its beautiful and curved design is so ahead of time that it even surpasses the design of the newest ones. The Allianz Arena is stunning in the evening and is no less remarkable during the day. This stadium is in Munich, Germany, and it has a capacity of 75,024 available seats. 

The Allianz Arena is the home ground of the greatest football team in Germany—Bayern Munich. More than a couple of football icons have played in this legendary stadium, such as Oliver Kahn, Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Miroslav Klose. 

The Allianz Arena has hosted many football games. Still, the most important were the FIFA 2006 World Cup matches and the 2012 UEFA Champions League final when Bayern lost 3-4 against Chelsea in a penalty shootout after extra time. 

#4 – Old Trafford

Location: Manchester, UK

Old Trafford is one of the most iconic soccer stadiums in the world, and it’s also called “The Theatre of Dreams” with a reason. Many incredible matches and legendary footballers played in this stadium. Old Trafford is the home team of Manchester United, one of the best teams in England. Manchester’s home ground opened its gates in 1910, and the stadium can hold 74,310 supporters. 

Old Trafford was the host of the famous 1966 FIFA World Cup when England won the tournament. Besides this World Cup, this stadium has hosted an endless list of legendary UEFA Champions League and Premier League matches. 

Numerous iconic players played in this stadium, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Bobby Charlton, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, George Best, and many others. 

#3 – Camp Nou

Location: Barcelona, Spain

The biggest soccer stadium in the entire Europe is Camp Nou, and it’s the home ground of one of the greatest and most successful football clubs ever—FC Barcelona. The well-known motto of this Spanish club, “mes que un club”, is embroiled on every seat, and it’s also a big part of Barca’s identity. Camp Nou was first opened in 1957, and it has a remarkable capacity of 99,354 available seats. 

One time, the capacity of this stadium surpassed 120,000 seats for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, but the number was later decreased due to certain law changes. Camp Nou hosted many notable fixtures like the 1989 European Champion Clubs’ Cup final as well as the 1999 UEFA Champions League final.

Many iconic names in football have played at Camp Nou, like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Romario, Xavi, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, and so many others. 

Camp Nou is one of those stadiums that will always be dear to not just the fans of Barca, but to every football fan on the planet. 

#2 – Santiago Bernabeu

Location: Madrid, Spain

The Santiago Bernabeu is the home to one of the most decorated football clubs ever—Real Madrid. With 14 European Cup/Champions League titles, this team from Madrid is highly successful, and the Santiago Bernabeu can’t be a better stadium to play at. It was opened back in 1947, and it has a capacity of 81,044 seats. This stadium was renovated a couple of times in history, and its reported costs were more than $1 billion. 

Santiago Bernabeu has always been one of the best stadiums for hosting football events. For instance, it hosted the European Champion Clubs’ Cup finals in 1957, 1969, and 1980, and the UEFA Champions League final back in 2010. 

Over the years, many soccer superstars have played in this stadium, such as Zinedine Zidane, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Cristiano Ronaldo, and so on. 

 

 #1 – Wembley Stadium

Location: London, UK

Undoubtedly, the best soccer stadium in the world is the Wembley Stadium. It was reopened back in 2007 at the exact place where the previous one from 1923 stood. Renowned for having one of the most electrifying atmospheres of all stadiums, the famous Wembley Arch is a sight to behold. 

Wembley Stadium is the home ground of the national football team of England, with an impressive capacity of over 90,000 available seats. It is situated in London, and every club in England dreams that Wembley will someday be their home ground. 

This London stadium held numerous prestigious football events, such as the UEFA Champions League finals in 2011 and 2013. Also, the old Wembley hosted the 1966 FIFA World Cup final when England beat West Germany 4-2 in the final. 

Besides being home to the country’s national team, many events that aren’t related to this sport, like pop concerts, are held in Wembley Stadium. 

The national football team of England is undoubtedly one of the greatest in the history of this sport. Even though England only won one major trophy, the 1966 World Cup, it’s still one of the most respected nations in the game.

Many football fans respect England because ever since this country played its first international match in 1871, it has produced some of the best football players of all time. 

Therefore, I’ve decided to select the top XI English footballers. Since there are so many legendary players to choose from, it was certainly challenging to make this team.

Keep reading to find out who are the best English players that this beautiful sport has ever seen!

Related: Most Successful Football Clubs On the Planet.

GK – Gordon Banks

• National team career span: 1963 – 1972 
• Caps: 73 

The best English goalkeeper of all time is the legendary Gordon Banks. He was truly incredible during his prime, stopping shots right and left. His skill set earned him the FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year award six years in a row. 

Banks had outstanding reflexes and a superb ability to organize his defense, which he demonstrated perfectly at the 1966 World Cup when England won the tournament. 

His most spectacular save was when he swiftly dived to his right side and stopped a header from Pele at the 1970 World Cup. Pele even said that he shouted, “Goal!”  since he was sure the ball would end up in the back of the net. During his time with the England national team, he kept 35 clean sheets.

As for his club career, Banks mostly played for Leicester City and Stoke City, while he also had short stints at Chesterfield, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Hellenic, and St Patrick’s Athletic. 

RB – Gary Neville

• National team career span: 1995 – 2007
• Caps: 85

The next player in England’s best lineup ever is none other than the best right-back who has ever played for this country—Gary Neville. During his time in England, Neville was the first choice for the right-back position, and he made appearances for his country in 1998 and the 2006 World Cup. He was supposed to play for the Three Lions at the 2002 World Cup, but an injury left him on the sidelines. 

Neville was part of England’s “Golden Generation,” which should’ve won major trophies, given the superb players in the starting XI, such as Scholes, Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Rooney, and so on. Neville is also the most capped English right back. 

Besides being the best English right back, he was also the no.1 choice in his position at Manchester United. Neville played for the Red Devils for almost two decades, winning every major trophy imaginable. He lifted the Champions League trophy 2 times and 12 times the Premier League trophy.  He was also an integral part of United’s treble-winning team of the 1998/99 season.

CB – Rio Ferdinand

• National team career span: 1997 – 2011
• Caps: 81
• Goals: 3

It was challenging to decide who to partner up with Moore in this lineup since there are many superb center-backs to choose from, like Terry, Adams, and Campbell. Ultimately, I’ve decided to go with Rio Ferdinand, one of the most legendary center-backs who played for the England national football team. 

Throughout his career, Ferdinand wasn’t just one of the best English center-backs; he was among the greatest defenders in the world. He proudly represented his country in the 1998, 2002, and 2006 World Cups. Even though he’s seen plenty of action while playing in World Cups, he missed out on playing for England in UEFA EURO tournaments.

Regarding his club career, Ferdinand was at the peak of his abilities while playing for Manchester United from 2002 until 2014. He won 6 Premier League titles alongside 1 Champions League trophy while being a part of the Red Devils. Besides playing for Manchester United, Ferdinand boasted the likes of Leeds United, Queens Park Rangers, and West Ham. 

CB – Bobby Moore

• National team career span: 1962 – 1973
• Caps: 108
• Goals: 2

This lineup has to include the greatest captain England has ever had—Bobby Moore. He was also the greatest English center-back, who won the 1966 World Cup with his national team. Moore was the backbone of England’s defense in that tournament and became a national hero for helping his country lift the World Cup trophy. 

Many world-class football players like Pele and Beckenbauer said that Moore was undoubtedly the best defender they’ve ever faced. Moore had impressive tackling and passing skills, but his main strength was his incredible ability to predict the movement of the opposing players. 

Besides his appearance in the 1966 World Cup, Moore played in the 1970 World Cup. Unfortunately, England finished that tournament, losing 3-2 in the quarter-finals against West Germany. 

As for his club career, Moore was in his prime as a West Ham United player since he won the European Cup Winners’ Cup trophy in 1965 and the FA Cup in 1964 with this London side. Moore also played for Fulham, Herning Fremad, Seattle Sounders, etc.

LB – Ashley Cole

• National team career span: 2001 – 2014
• Caps: 107

Ashley Cole is the left-back on the best England football team in history. Although many players in England’s “Golden Generation ” didn’t meet expectations, that can’t be said for Ashley Cole. 

Thanks to his lightning-fast pace and ability to read the game, he had many players in his pocket throughout his career. Even though Cole wasn’t a goal scorer, he was a threat to opposing teams because of his speed and precise passes. He played in three World Cups and two UEFA EURO competitions for England.

In his career as a club player, Cole was well-known for being the no.1 left-back at Chelsea and Arsenal. While playing for the Gunners, he lifted 2 Premier League trophies and 3 FA Cups. As for his time at Chelsea, Cole won 1 Premier League title, 4 FA Cups, 1 Champions League trophy, and 1 Europa League trophy. Apart from playing in those two London clubs, Cole spent the final years as a footballer in Roma, La Galaxy, and Derby County. 

RM – David Beckham

• National team career span: 1996 – 2009
• Caps: 115
• Goals: 17

There were many players who could’ve filled this position, but the right choice would be David Beckham. In the “Golden Generation” of English football players, Beckham was arguably the best of the lot. He was an otherworldly passer with a knack for scoring outstanding free kicks.  

His most notable goal was a sensational free-kick against Greece in 2001 that sent England to the 2002 World Cup, where they were eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals by the star-studded Brazil team. Beckham was hated for a long time by English fans because of his red card against the Argentinians at the 1998 World Cup, which fans blamed as the main reason England had to pack their bags and head home. 

Despite being hated by fans, Beckham regularly attended England’s international games, amassing 115 caps and appearing in three World Cups. 

Besides being the star of the England national team, he was the star player for Manchester United. While being a part of the Red Devils, Beckham appeared in over 450 games and scored 99 goals. With United, he won numerous trophies, including 6 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League trophy, and 2 FA Cup titles. Throughout his career, Beckham played for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and AC Milan. 

CM – Bobby Charlton

• National team career span: 1958 – 1970
• Caps: 106
• Goals: 49

Bobby Charlton isn’t just one of the greatest English players, he’s one of the best footballers who has ever set foot on a pitch. He was a soccer legend who made his debut for England only a couple of weeks after the tragic Munich Air Crash in 1958 when eight Manchester United players and three referees sadly lost their lives. 

Bobby mostly played in the central midfield, but he was also an attacking midfielder who scored 49 goals for his country and was the third-best scorer ever for England. His most memorable appearance was in the semi-finals at the 1966 World Cup, when he bagged two goals against the Eusebio-led Portugal. Also, he was an instrumental figure in the finals of that tournament against Germany, when England demolished them 4 -2. Charlton appeared in 4 World Cups while playing for the Three Lions. 

Aside from being an important soccer player for England, Charlton was the star footballer of Manchester United. While at the Red Devils, he appeared in 758 games and netted 249 goals. He’s the second player with most appearances for United, after Giggs. Charlton won many trophies with United, but the most notable were 3 Premier League titles and 1 European Champion Clubs’ Cup trophy. 

Charlton also played for Preston North End, Waterford, and Perth Azzurri. 

CM – Paul Gascoigne

• National team career span: 1988 – 1998
• Caps: 57
• Goals: 10

Paul Gascoigne, nicknamed “Gazza,” was one of the most talented English soccer players. He certainly deserves to fill the central midfield spot in England’s all-time XI. He was an excellent playmaker whose creativity made him one of the most thrilling players on the pitch. 

At the 1990 World Cup semi-finals against West Germany, Gazza became the nation’s hero when he started crying after getting a yellow card that meant he couldn’t play in the finals if England won. Gazza’s performance after getting booked was phenomenal, but England lost on penalties. 

He scored ten goals for England, but the most memorable was at the 1996 EURO when Gascoigne scored a masterful volley against Scotland. His time on the national team ended after an unfortunate event: he wasn’t chosen for the 1998 World Cup squad after eating kebabs a week before the selection. After hearing about this decision made by England’s manager, Glenn Hoddle, Gascoigne destroyed Hoddle’s hotel room.

Regarding his club career, Gascoigne played for many teams like Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Burnley, Everton, and so on. 

Gazza was a player riddled with controversy, but no one can deny that he was among the finest English players in history. 

LM – Steven Gerrard

• National team career span: 2000 – 2014
• Caps: 114
• Goals: 21

This wouldn’t be England’s best lineup in history if I left out the great Steven Gerrard. He’s undeniably among the best midfielders in the world in his generation. One of the main reasons why he’s a part of this lineup is his immense leadership, super-sharp passes, and ability to score sensational long-range shots. 

With 114 caps, he’s the fourth player with the most appearances for England’s national soccer team. Gerrard represented England at three World Cups and three UEFA EURO tournaments and was the team’s captain from 2010 until 2014. 

Besides his international career, Gerrard played for the better part of his playing days as a Liverpool player, where he reached the status of an icon. During his time with the Reds, Gerrard lifted many trophies, but he’s most proud of the 2005 Champions League trophy.  In 17 years while playing for Liverpool, Gerrard amassed 710 appearances and bagged 186 goals. In 2015, he left to play for LA Galaxy, where he ended his illustrious career in 2016. 

ST – Wayne Rooney

• National team career span: 2003 – 2018
• Caps: 120
• Goals: 53

Wayne Rooney was a once-in-a-generation footballer who left a tremendous mark in the history of this beautiful game. The most fascinating thing about Rooney wasn’t only that he was the youngest-ever player (17 years and 111 days) who debuted for England’s national team. It was also the fact that he scored a goal 216 days after his debut and became England’s youngest goalscorer. Wayne was a superb striker who was fast, strong, and had great technique with the ball. 

At the EURO 2004, Rooney became a young superstar who bagged four goals in three matches. He played at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups and in the EURO 2012, too. Even though Rooney was a great goalscorer for England, he often had issues with poor form and injuries.

Regarding his club career, he’s mostly known for being a Manchester United player. He played for the Red Devils for 13 years, appearing in 559 matches and scoring 253 goals. Rooney lifted 1 Champions League trophy alongside 5 Premier League titles. Besides Man United, he also played for Everton, D.C. United, and Derby County.  

ST – Gary Lineker

• National team career span: 1984 – 1992
• Caps: 80
• Goals: 48

England’s all-time XI lineup wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include one of the best strikers that this country has ever produced—Gary Lineker. He was a one-of-a-kind forward and a lethal finisher who managed to score four goals in two different games for England. He proudly represented his country in 2 World Cups and 2 UEFA EURO competitions. 

His best tournament was the 1986 World Cup, where he was the no.1 scorer with six goals. Three of those goals came against Poland in the group stages, when he recorded the fastest hat-trick in World Cup history. It took him only 20 minutes to complete the hat-trick. Lineker also starred in the 1990 World Cup, netting four goals. 

Lineker’s national team career had a pretty sour end. In 1992, England was playing a friendly against Brazil, and Lineker was really close to breaking Charlton’s 49-goal record, but he missed a penalty in that game. Later that year, manager Taylor substituted him versus Sweden at the EURO 1992 and denied Lineker an opportunity to break the record. That was his last game for England. 

As for his club career, he boasted the likes of Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton. Gary also played for Barcelona, where he lifted the biggest trophy of his career—The European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989. During his playing days, Lineker scored close to 300 goals. 

Featured image taken from YouTube.