British football has long been celebrated for producing some of the world’s most formidable defenders – from no-nonsense stalwarts Tony Adams, John Terry and Alan Hansen to classy aces like Bobby Moore, Danny McGrain and Rio Ferdinand.
Although success has been limited – with just one major tournament victory (the 1966 World Cup) among the four nations – the British football school has never lacked talent and has consistently produced players capable of performing at the highest level.
Therefore, figuring out the greatest British back four in football history is certainly no easy task, and GIVEMESPORT turned to ChatGPT for help – though the results may disappoint if you are a Manchester United or Chelsea supporter.
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Phil Neal
Right-back
Phil Neal
At right-back, ChatGPT opted for Liverpool icon Phil Neal, widely regarded as one of the most successful English footballers of all time, having won eight First Division titles, four European Cups and a host of other individual and club honours.
AI suggested Neal’s impressive trophy cabinet played a part in his selection in the greatest British back four, as well as the fact that he was a cornerstone of Liverpool’s dominance in the late 70s and early 80s:
“England has had many good right-backs, but none with Phil Neal’s trophy haul. Unshakably consistent, cool under pressure (especially with penalties), and a cornerstone of Liverpool’s European dominance in the late 70s/early 80s.”
Neal, who started his career at Northampton Town, amassed an incredible 455 appearances for Liverpool and won 22 major honours.
Bobby Moore
Centre-back
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Arguably one of the least debatable inclusions in the best British defensive line, West Ham United icon Bobby Moore was described by ChatGPT as 'the greatest English defender ever' and earned his place purely for his leadership in the 1966 World Cup triumph:
“Possibly the greatest English defender ever. Elegant, calm, and an exceptional reader of the game. His 1966 leadership remains iconic.”
Moore captained West Ham for more than 10 seasons and also wore the armband for England in 1966. He ranks fifth among the most-capped English players, with 108 appearances – 18 fewer than goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
He spent 16 seasons at West Ham and made 544 appearances, leading the Hammers to success in the FA Cup (1963/64), FA Charity Shield (1964) and European Cup Winners' Cup (1964–65).
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Alan Hansen
Centre-back
Alan Hansen in action for Liverpool.
A surprise choice ahead of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, former Scotland international Alan Hansen was selected alongside Moore as the second centre-back, with ChatGPT citing his influence during Liverpool’s golden era as a key reason:
“Criminally under-capped by Scotland, Hansen was intelligent, composed, and brilliant on the ball. Key to Liverpool’s golden era.”
Regarded as one of Liverpool’s greatest defenders, Hansen enjoyed a highly decorated playing career, winning eight First Division titles, three European Cups and over a dozen domestic trophies.
The Scottish centre-back was known for his composure, reading of the game and ability to play out from the back – qualities which made him look ahead of his time back in the 1980s.
Ashley Cole
Left-back
Ashley Cole
Finally, AI selected former Chelsea and Arsenal star Ashley Cole to complete the best British back four ever, describing him as 'one of the best left-backs in football history':
“Quite simply, one of the best left-backs in world football history, not just British. Defensive masterclass + attacking threat, with consistency over 15+ years.”
Cole began his career at Arsenal, where he was a key part of the iconic ‘Invincibles’ side that went unbeaten in the 2003/04 Premier League season.
He made a total of 228 appearances for the Gunners before controversially joining Chelsea in 2006, where he became a Champions League winner and added another Premier League title to his collection.
Honourable Mentions
Neville, Terry and Adams all feature
Chelsea John Terry
With only four spots to fill, ChatGPT left a host of household names unselected from the greatest British back four ever, including former Premier League stars John Terry, Gary Neville, Tony Adams and Denis Irwin.
All of them feature among the honourable mentions, which include 13 former defenders who narrowly missed out on selection.
Honourable Mentions
Right-backs
Centre-backs
Left-backs
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Statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt. Correct as of 0 3 -07-25.