by Matthew Adams

Created on: November 11, 2008

The English football team has rarely sampled glory. However, that is not to say that it has not had some great players. For, undoubtedly, their world-cup winning generation of 1966 stand out along with some other talents.

You have to say that Bobby Moore is one icon of English football. The only England captain ever to lift the world cup undoubtedly is one of the most famous. That great 66 moment, is one that ranks him as England's best ever captain.

Likewise, he was not a bad defender either. When pitted against the likes of Pele in 1970, he was not out done, and the Brazil team could only gain a 1-0 win against England. Likewise, in 66 his pace in England's defence was very important.

Another great and famous player of that era is Geoff Hurst. Leading the front-line of the England attack in the final, he bagged a hat-trick and that famous 4th to seal the world cup. Undoubtedly, that was one of the great goals to be scored by an English player forward or not.

Gordan Banks was a great goalkeeper for England. He was vital in the 1970 world cup, and his save that denied Pele is regarded as one of the greatest ever by a goal keeper. The ball, seemingly destined for the net, was somehow blocked by Banks to deny Brazil.

On the subject of goal keepers, and moving aside from the 66 generation, Peter Shilton is the most capped England player. Such was his quality in England's goal he had few peers in that position. If ever a player made the shirt his own, he did. In 1990, he produced some great goal keeping performances that would help England reach the semi-finals.

Another player of Shilton's era, Bryan Robson, was one great England captain. Although not quite eclipsing Moore, captain marvel became a key component of the England midfield. Undoubtedly, he was also one of the best midfield players England have had.

Of the more recent generation, you might say that Beckham has become one of the more familiar players for England. He has now surpassed 100 caps for his country, and is not far off Shilton's overall record.

Playing for Man Utd, and England, undoubtedly he produced some great displays for club and country. With fantastic crossing and free kicks, he could score and provide goals from midfield. He would win the European Cup with his club, and has captained England.

Of the current players, Rooney is also another who has grown in stature. Now regarded as one of England's best current players, he could become a great England player. As a versatile forward, he has pace, strength, super technique and an eye for goal.

Undoubtedly Moore, Banks, Hurst, Shilton, Robson, Beckham and Rooney are some of the most familiar English football players. Simply because, they were/are all great players for country and clubs as well.

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