Sports
15 Greatest English Attackers in Football History [Ranked]
Summary
- England has produced a plethora of attacking talent over the years, with players like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer standing out.
- The best England attackers have been ranked on factors including international achievements, club achievements, individual awards and legacy within football.
- Each player highlighted, from Sir Stanley Matthews to Wayne Rooney, has made a significant impact on the international stage through their goals and performances.
England has seen its fair share of phenomenal players throughout history, particularly in the realm of attackers. From dazzling wingers to clinical strikers, the Three Lions have boasted an array of talent that has left an indelible mark on the international stage.
Narrowing down the greatest attackers the country has produced is no easy feat. There have been multiple Ballon d’Or winners, modern-day legends and record-breakers. As such, many talented players have had to miss out.
Players such as David Beckham and Sir Bobby Charlton failed to make this list, as they were considered to be more midfielders than forwards. Nonetheless, there is plenty of talent to choose from. Here is a list of the very best to lead the line for England across the national team’s history.
Ranking factors
- International achievements (honours, appearances, goals, assists, etc)
- Club achievements (honours, appearances, goals, assists, etc)
- Individual awards
- Legacy within football
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15
Ian Wright
Career Span: 1985-2000
Ian Wright suffered enormously from the fact that England seemed to have a golden generation of striking talent during the era in which he played in. Had it not been for the sheer number of players he had to compete again, he undoubtedly would have made more appearances than the 33 he did. Indeed, only Mick Channon played more times for the Three Lions without ever being selected for a World Cup or EUROs squad. Wright’s best moment in an England shirt came when he netted four goals against San Marino in a 7-1 win in November 1993.
|
Ian Wright’s International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
33 |
|
Goals |
9 |
|
Assists |
6 |
|
Honours |
None |
14
Bukayo Saka
Career Span: 2018-Present
Bukayo Saka’s England career may still be being written, but he has already proven himself to be one of his country’s best players – and perhaps most crucially, one of their most consistent. Despite still being in his early 20s, Saka is already well on his way to 50 caps, while he has bagged double digits in goals too. Named England Men’s Player of the Year for the 2021/2022 season – an achievement he then replicated just a year later – Saka has been instrumental in the Three Lions’ successful run to the latter stages of international competition.
|
Bukayo Saka’s International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
44 |
|
Goals |
12 |
|
Assists |
8 |
|
Honours |
None |
13
Teddy Sheringham
Career Span: 1993–2002
One half of the famous SAS duo, Teddy Sheringham is more well known for his exploits in club football, including his last-gasp equaliser in the 1999 Champions League final. In the prime years of his career, the former Nottingham Forest man was a favourite for his country, representing the Three Lions on 51 occasions.
Although his goal-scoring record was not as impressive as others on the list, his combined 19 goal contributions showed that he was a valuable asset in a supporting role. It was Sheringham’s wonderfully nonchalant layoff to Alan Shearer that produced the final flourish in a 4-1 thrashing of the Netherlands at Euro 1996.
|
Teddy Sheringham’s International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
51 |
|
Goals |
11 |
|
Assists |
8 |
|
Honours |
None |
12
Dixie Dean
Career Span: 1923-1940
One of English football’s most prolific goal-scorers, Dixie Dean was voted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002 for his achievements. While Dean may have only played 16 times for the Three Lions at international level, he more than proved his goal-scoring worth by plundering in a remarkable 18 goals in those games, including two hat-tricks against Belgium and Luxembourg respectively. His best moment in an England shirt, however, came when in the 1927 British Home Championship clash against Scotland at Hampden Park, he scored twice in a losing effort but was applauded by the Scottish faithful.
|
Dixie Dean’s International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
16 |
|
Goals |
18 |
|
Assists |
N/A |
|
Honours |
None |
11
Sir Tom Finney
Career Span: 1946–1958
Sir Tom Finney had already established a successful plumbing business, served in the British army and turned 24 before making his England debut. Denied an earlier appearance by the Second World War, the versatile Preston North End icon made up for lost time. On his sixth international outing, Finney rattled in his fifth England goal in a 10-0 evisceration of Portugal. The hosts’ skipper Alvaro Cardoso was run ragged by the fleet-footed winger, infamously demanding to be substituted at half-time.
That merciless torment was inflicted from Finney’s unnatural position on the left wing – though the part-time plumber was comfortable in any of the five roles along the front line. Liverpool’s legendary manager Bill Shankly was one of many figures eager to hail a player who somehow conspired to miss out on a major piece of silverware throughout his entire career. “Tom Finney would have been great in any team, in any match and in any age,” the Scottish coach gushed, “even if he had been wearing an overcoat.”
|
Tom Finney’s International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
76 |
|
Goals |
30 |
|
Assists |
32 |
|
Honours |
None |
10
Sir Stanley Matthews
Career Span: 1934–1957
Widely regarded by many to be one of the best English players to ever grace a football pitch, Sir Stanley Matthews is hampered by the fact that the Second World War completely derailed his international career. The winger was unable to play for his country between 1939 and 1946, where he undoubtedly would have racked up more caps.
With 54 appearances in total, Matthews managed to score 11 times and provided a further five assists. These numbers may not appear all that impressive at first but speak to anyone who saw this immortal figure play the game, and they will wax lyrical about him.
|
Stanley Matthews’ International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
54 |
|
Goals |
11 |
|
Assists |
5 |
|
Honours |
None |
9
Kevin Keegan
Career Span: 1972–1982
To some, Kevin Keegan may be better known for his ranting and raving as a manager. And while he was one of England’s worst-ever coaches, it was a completely different story on the pitch.
‘King Keggie’ most certainly had his fair share of critics for some of his antics, but the former Liverpool man was mesmeric for any team lucky enough to call upon his services. Making his international debut in 1972, the scurrying second striker would win two Ballon d’Or trophies by the end of the decade and finish his international career with 63 caps. Had he been born a few years earlier, he would’ve been a guaranteed starter in England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
|
Kevin Keegan’s International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
63 |
|
Goals |
21 |
|
Assists |
2 |
|
Honours |
None |
8
Michael Owen
Career Span: 1998–2008
Bursting onto the scene with his incredible solo effort against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, Michael Owen may look back on his international career with some regret. As one of the talismans during England’s golden generation, the Liverpudlian perhaps should’ve gotten his hands on at least one major trophy during his time with the Three Lions, but it wasn’t to be.
A serious injury in the 2006 World Cup, just eight years on from when he announced himself on the international stage, effectively ended Owen’s time at the elite level. He would still finish as one of his country’s most impressive goalscorers, but there was room for him to achieve even more.
|
Michael Owen’s International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
89 |
|
Goals |
40 |
|
Assists |
12 |
|
Honours |
None |
7
Jimmy Greaves
Career Span: 1959–1968
Modern-day fans may know Jimmy Greaves as the man whose record for most goals as a Tottenham Hotspur player was broken by Harry Kane. What they might not know is that the striker has the best goals-to-game ratio for England in men’s international football.
Although many sing the praises of Sir Geoff Hurst for his role in Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 success, it is often forgotten that it was Greaves who was set to be the leading man throughout the competition. After all, he did start in every single group game. A nasty tackle against France ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament and the former Milan man had to watch his teammates bring home the trophy.
|
Jimmy Greaves’ International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
57 |
|
Goals |
44 |
|
Assists |
1 |
|
Honours |
1966 World Cup |
6
Alan Shearer
Career Span: 1992–2000
The other half of the famous SAS duo, Alan Shearer was an out-and-out goalscorer who was able to fend off the likes of Andy Cole, Robbie Fowler and more to hold down his spot as England’s number nine throughout the 1990s. The peak of his international career came in Euro ’96, where Shearer scored five goals in as many games to finish as the competition’s Golden Boot winner. This is despite the fact he had been on an awful run of form for his country leading up to the tournament. Shearer announced a surprise international retirement in 2000, preventing him from reaching even greater heights.
|
Alan Shearer’s International Career |
|
|---|---|
|
Caps |
63 |
|
Goals |
30 |
|
Assists |
11 |
|
Honours |
None |
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David Seaman, Peter Shilton and Jordan Pickford are a few outstanding shot-stoppers that England has produced.
Sports
Jack Charlton’s Son Handed £200k Tax Bill For England World Cup Medal
The son of England legend Jack Charlton has told of an inheritance tax row surrounding ownership of his father’s World Cup winners’ medal.
Charlton, who played over 750 games for Leeds United, immortalised himself as part of England’s World Cup-winning squad of 1966. The older brother of Bobby, Jack started at centre back alongside captain Bobby Moore in the final, with England defeating West Germany 4-2 after extra time.
However, on the 60th anniversary of England’s triumph, his son John has revealed that he is no longer in possession of his father’s medal. John Charlton was left the incredible piece of sporting memorabilia in his father’s will, but has had to give it back to his mother.
Jack Charlton’s World Cup Winners’ Medal
John appeared on talkSPORT Breakfast to discuss the 60th anniversary of England’s World Cup win, as well as Eddie Howe’s departure as Newcastle manager. Speaking about his father and uncle’s medals, he stated, “Funny enough, me and Eddie (Howe) were talking about his medal.
“I think there’s only him and my uncle Bobby who have kept their medals. Everybody else doesn’t have them anymore.”
When asked about the whereabouts of his father’s medal, John replied, “I’ve got it. Well, there’s a bit of a problem with it, actually.”
Inheritance Tax Row
The interview with Stuart Pearce and Andy Goldstein took an unexpected turn, as John revealed that the medal belonged to him, but was not actually in his possession.
“When I say I’ve got it, it was left to me in my dad’s will, but the tax man wants £200,000 off me in Inheritance Tax.”
But when asked whether he plans to sell his father’s prized possession, he seemed reluctant to do so. “No, I’ve given it back to my mother because, whilst she’s got it, I don’t have to pay that money.”
Despite being taken aback by the stipulations of UK tax law, John remained optimistic that a solution could be reached. “There’s a journalist from the Daily Mirror who’s been working on it and helping us to try and sort it, but the same applies to Olympic gymnasts and people like that.
“If they decide to sell their gold medals, they’re going to have to pay. Their family, sorry, pass it on, they’re going to have to pay Inheritance Tax on that. This is something that they’ve been trying to sort out.”
Currently, Inheritance Tax in the UK is 40% on estates that surpass the £325,000 threshold. And as for John Charlton’s situation, he also has to consider other World Cup memorabilia into that figure. He is also in possession of Jack Charlton’s World Cup final shirt and England cap, with the latter being the only one he retained from his football career.
“His shirt and his medal are in a safe place, tucked away,” revealed John. “And the England cap that he got because he only got one cap for the tournament and that’s the only cap that he left. He gave the rest away.”
Jack Charlton played 35 times for England over five years, with his first cap coming a year prior to England’s successful 1966 campaign. In domestic football, he was a one-club man. Having played for Leeds United for 21 years, Charlton is still the all-time leading appearance maker for the club.
After retiring from club football, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle, and the Republic of Ireland. He led the latter to their first World Cup in 1990.
Sports
Ultimate vs Ultimate Plus Editions Compared
You can pre-order EA Sports FC 27 now, with the game being launched with a slick trailer and informative deep dives.
EA has spiced things up a little bit this year by introducing a boosted tier system for the game’s release. Alongside the Standard and Ultimate editions, gamers will have the new option of the Ultimate Plus edition.
Each edition comes with its own unique features, bonuses, and price structure, and GIVEMESPORT have broken down these key characteristics to help users choose the edition that best suits their gaming experience.
EA Sports FC 27 Ultimate Plus Edition Bonuses
The Ultimate Plus Edition offers gamers the biggest pre-order bonus bundle in the series’ history, designed for serious fans of the Ultimate Team gameplay mode.
However, there is a caveat that players must be aware of: this edition is only available from July 23 to August 31, and players cannot purchase it after this date nor upgrade to it later.
|
Ultimate Plus Edition Core Bonuses |
|---|
|
Full game with up to 7 days Early Access |
|
10,000 FC Points |
|
Premium Season Passes for Seasons 1 through 5 |
|
85+ OVR International ICON Player Item |
|
Additional Player Evolution Slot |
|
1 of 5 Hall of FUT Direct Player Pick (Akinfenwa, Giovani dos Santos, Remy, Fellaini, or Elia) |
EA Sports FC 27 Ultimate Edition Bonuses
The Ultimate Edition returns as the longstanding premium option, but the rewards and bonuses available to players differ depending on when the game is bought.
August 31 Pre-Order (Early Bird)
|
Ultimate Edition Bonuses |
|---|
|
FUT Bonuses: 85+ OVR International ICON, 7 days Early Access, Season 1 Premium Pass, 6,000 FC Points, and an Extra Evo Slot. |
|
The Grounds: Signature Sweatsuit, Mbappé Tier 3 AMP, and 2x AXP for 10 Matches. |
|
Career Mode: Pre-Order Challenges, Dynamic OVR Pre-Season Boost, 3 ICONs/Heroes, 5-Star Coach, 5-Star Youth/Senior Scouts, and 5 Manager Live Challenge Slots. |
|
FC 26 Bonuses: 99 DRI Stat Evo and a 93+ OVR ICON Player Pick. |
Pre-Order after August 31 but before September 24
The user will receive everything listed above, except for the 85+ OVR International ICON item.
Purchase on or after September 25 (Global Release Date)
Users will only receive the base FC Points, Evolution Slot, Career Mode items, and The Grounds items. They will not be granted Early Access, the Season 1 Pass, or the 85+ OVR International ICON.
Ultimate Plus vs Ultimate: Which Edition Should You Buy?
For players aiming to pre-order before August 31, the decision comes down to how much you play Ultimate Team. The increased bonuses, particularly the four additional Premium Passes and the boosted FC Points, justify putting the extra pennies down for the Ultimate Plus Edition.
Still, for players who aren’t sure whether they want to commit to future season passes, or how much time they can commit to the Ultimate Team experience, pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition before that August 31 deadline is still a great way to grab a good haul of bonuses for your money.
EA Sports FC 27 Pre-Order Prices: All Editions
Here is the pricing structure for each edition of EA Sports FC 27:
|
Edition |
UK Price |
US Price |
Canada Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard |
£69.99 |
$69.99 |
$89.99 |
|
Ultimate |
£99.99 |
$99.99 |
$129.99 |
|
Ultimate Plus |
£139.99 |
$149.99 |
$199.99 |
Sports
Mykhailo Mudryk Available For Chelsea as Ban Lifted and Statement Released
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is officially available to return to professional football after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) partially upheld his appeal against his ban for doping.
Mudryk, who signed for Chelsea in 2023 for an initial fee of £62m, has not played a competitive match since November 2024, following a provisional suspension by the FA. Subsequent tests delivered an “adverse finding” for the banned substance meldonium.
The Ukraine international was hit with a significant ban of four years by the FA, but lodged an appeal to CAS against the punishment. The longstanding governing body agreed to allow the 25-year-old to return to professional football “with immediate effect.” Mudryk conceded that he had broken anti-doping rules, agreeing to a suspension that equalled the time he had already served.
Mudryk has shared his gratitude at returning to football, stating that the ban led to the “most difficult period” of his career.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk star added: “As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.”
Chelsea has already commented on the positive verdict regarding the Ukrainian winger, stating that the club looks forward to returning Mudryk to “full fitness, [and reintegrating him] back into the squad and back on to the pitch.” The 25-year-old is expected to join their pre-season tour.
FA Update on Mykhailo Mudryk
The English FA shared the following statement on their website in relation to Mudryk’s four-year ban being lifted:
“The FA can confirm that the anti-doping disciplinary proceedings against Mykhailo Mudryk were resolved with the agreement of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 30 July 2026. In the context of that agreement, Mr Mudryk has accepted his commission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) and accepted a period of ineligibility.
“On 22 October 2024, Mr Mudryk was subject to an out-of-competition doping control, which revealed the presence of a low concentration of meldonium, a prohibited substance. The FA notified Mr Mudryk of that finding on 4 December 2024 and imposed a provisional suspension. On 23 May 2025, the FA charged Mr Mudryk with ADRVs in breach of Regulations 3 and 4 of its 2024 Anti-Doping Regulations.
“On 7 to 9 January 2026, a hearing took place before an independent Regulatory Commission. The Regulatory Commission found that Mr Mudryk had committed the charged ADRVs and imposed a four-year period of ineligibility. Subsequently, Mr Mudryk filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“Since then, changes have been made to WADA Technical Document (TD2027MRL) which, while not retroactive, mean that if Mr Mudryk’s sample was collected today, the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported and no ADRVs would have resulted.
“Further to that development and to other circumstances of the case, The FA and Mr Mudryk have now – with the agreement of WADA – resolved the appeal proceedings in accordance with Article 10.8.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code and Regulation 90 of the 2024 Anti-Doping Regulations. As a part of the agreement, Mr Mudryk accepted that he had committed the ADRVs charged and acceded to a period of ineligibility equal to the time served at the date of the agreement.
“Mr Mudryk is no longer ineligible and may return to competition with immediate effect.”
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