The closest we've come to a star-studded team of British stars was at the Olympics, with Team GB's most recent participation in London in 2012. The likes of Welsh legend Ryan Giggs and rising English star Daniel Sturridge featured but were unable to advance further than the quarter-finals.
Team GB previously achieved success, including winning gold medals in 1900, 1908, and 1912, but there's no telling how a team consisting of the best in Britain would fare in major competitions nowadays. Scotland captain Andy Robertson would have been perfect to take the left-back spot if a blend of Brits were part of the team that competed at the 2024 European Championships.
Gareth Southgate struggled to deal with Luke Shaw's fragility, but that was just a host of tactical problems that occurred during his reign. Had he been able to pick from a pool of players from across Britain, then perhaps a major trophy would have arrived.
That's why we tasked ChatGPT to create a 23-man squad of brilliant Brits who have left their mark on the game as some of the best to grace the sport. That includes players who have represented England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Goalkeepers
Gordon Banks (ENG), Pat Jennings (NI), Peter Shilton (ENG)
Every international squad typically consists of three goalkeepers, although one is usually the undisputed number one. The three shot-stoppers ChatGPT decided on were England's 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks, Northern Ireland's most-capped player Pat Jennings, and Peter Shilton, who holds the same record for the Three Lions.
It appears that Banks would be chosen between the sticks ahead of Jennings and Shilton because of his exploits in his nation's only World Cup triumph. His save to deny Pele is deemed "the best save ever", while his peak sees him take the number one jersey:
"Many experts and contemporaries rank him slightly ahead of Shilton and Jennings in terms of natural talent and performance in big moments.That said, Shilton wins on longevity, and Jennings was superb despite playing for a smaller football nation. But Banks at his peak was world-class in a way few keepers have matched."
Banks could pull off any save with eye-catching reflexes that earned him FIFA's Goalkeeper of the Year award on six occasions. He'd be the perfect starting goalkeeper, but would have fierce competition from Jennings, who flourished at Tottenham Hotspur, and Shilton, who became a European champion at Nottingham Forest.
Gordon Banks (England), Neville Southall (Wales), Joe Hart (Man City) Related
AI Names and Ranks the 19 Greatest British Goalkeepers in Football History
ChatGPT has named the 19 greatest British goalkeepers in football history, including David Seaman, Neville Southall and Gordon Banks.
Full-Backs:
Phil Neal (ENG), Danny McGrain (SCO), Ashley Cole (ENG) – Stuart Pearce (ENG)
The four full-backs selected make for interesting reading as they are all from different eras but were undoubtedly some of the best to emerge on British soil. Ashley Cole and Stuart Pearce were chosen as the squad's two left-backs, and there's little argument over their abilities.
Cole was a rapid left-back who could also help his side back forward and offer an outlet on the overlap. He kept some of the world's very best attackers quiet, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
Pearce was more of a leader who used this mindset in his playing approach, not afraid to get rough but also possessing an impressive left-footed strike. He earned the nickname "psycho", which tells a story regarding his playing characteristics.
".In most tactical setups and hypothetical “best England XI” debates, Ashley Cole would get the nod to start, with Stuart Pearce possibly on the bench as a backup or squad leader" - (ChatGPT)
Phil Neal and Danny McGrain are the two right-back options, and this could be largely down to their consistency. Neal, who had a knack for finding the back of the net, rarely ever took a day off, and his hard work allowed him to become the most decorated player in Liverpool's history.
McGrain didn't have many flaws in his game, one of the best players in Scotland's history who was constantly seen surging down the channel during the 1970s and 80s. He captained Celtic for a decade and won six titles with the Bhoys.
"If you want leadership, versatility, and defensive class, McGrain is your man. If you want someone safe, tactically disciplined, and experienced in winning big games, Neal is close behind - (ChatGPT)
Centre-Backs
Bobby Moore (ENG), Alan Hansen (SCO), John Terry (ENG), Tony Adams (ENG)
One position that an all-time British team would be spoiled for choice in would be central defence. England offer up names such as Jack Charlton and Rio Ferdinand, let alone the colossal trio ChatGPT went with.
There was no chance Bobby Moore would not make the squad, having captained the Three Lions to World Cup glory in 1966. Alex Ferguson named the West Ham United icon "the best defender he ever saw", and the Scot would probably place the captain's armband on him.
"Bobby Moore remains the best British defender ever, largely because he was peerless in his era, he led England to their only World Cup he is still universally respected across generations" - (ChatGPT).
John Terry and Tony Adams, two Premier League hardmen, join Moore in defence and deservedly so. Both have similar playing styles, characterised by a never-say-die attitude, excellent game reading, and superb aerial abilities.
The only non-Englishman to make central defence is Alan Hansen, who was a massive influence on Liverpool's dominance in the 1980s. The legendary Scot knew when to time a tackle to perfection, and he captained the Merseysiders in their most successful period. Would he make the starting XI?
"(Dave) Mackay sits deep, shielding Moore and Hansen; Pearce or Cole push on" - (ChatGPT)
Midfielders:
Paul Scholes, Glenn Hoddle, Steven Gerrard, B ryan Robson (ENG), Dave Mackay (SCO), Ryan Giggs (WLS)
ChatGPT appears to be a big fan of Dave Mackay, an "out-and-out defensive midfielder" as they put it, who was the heartbeat of Heart of Midlothian and Tottenham. The Scot starred for Hearts in the 1950s, leading them to the Scottish League title and several other major trophies.
Mackay is the only holding midfielder selected, with some of the finest passers of the ball in football history making the six-man midfield list. Paul Scholes, an "advanced playmaker" and Glenn Hoddle, a "creative mezzala" get the nod, and they'd perhaps form a partnership akin to that of Andres Iniesta and Xavi for Spain, two sublime playmakers who can make football look easy.
Scholes had a difficult time on the international front, but he's selected because of his creativity, which Sir Alex Ferguson got the best out of at Manchester United. Familiar faces join him, compatriot Steven Gerrard, who'd serve as a box-to-box midfielder, as well as his longtime United teammate, Ryan Giggs.
The Welshman offers a "wide outlet", but let's not forget how he transitioned into a central midfield role in his latter years, showcasing versatility that could be massive in tournament football. Another Red Devil, Bryan Robson, who is Ferguson's "greatest captain", is also included, although he'd hopefully stay injury-free to be a leader of the pack.
"Two creators (Scholes, Hoddle), two box‑to‑box leaders (Gerrard, Robson), one destroyer (Mackay), one wide outlet (Giggs)" - (ChatGPT).
Attackers:
Wingers: George Best (NI), Gareth Bale (WLS)
George Best was named in the top three of our list of Britain's best players, and ChatGPT agrees with that stance. The late Manchester United hero is among a stacked pool of attacking talent that have dominated world football during their respective careers.
The right wing would likely be occupied by Best, who was among the best attackers during his era, arguably the greatest player never to appear at a FIFA World Cup. His dribbling abilities were a sight to behold, and he'd almost certainly be the biggest star of the team.
Gareth Bale wouldn't be far behind, though, after completing club football at Real Madrid in a career that saw him arguably take his place at the throne of Welsh football. Maybe taking the left-wing spot, he'd also be keen to be on set-pieces, although that could lead to a fair few arguments with fellow countryman Giggs.
Forwards: Wayne Rooney (ENG), Kenny Dalglish (SCO), Alan Shearer (ENG), Bobby Charlton (ENG)
Goals wouldn't be a problem for this all-star British team, especially given that two of them are among the best goalscorers in Premier League history. Finding the back of the net is only one of many strengths that these four forwards possessed during their playing days.
Wayne Rooney was an all-out attacking unit whose competitiveness made for a world-class striker who adapted to different roles. He finished his career as Manchester United's all-time top scorer, and Harry Kane only recently eclipsed his record for England.
Liverpool are also represented in the forward department by Kenny Dalglish, the Reds' King, who should make any fan's dream Scotland XI. He was the perfect attacking partner, whose selfless playing style could complement Rooney's all guns blazing profile perfectly.
Alan Shearer would also relish lining up alongside Dalglish and the Newcastle United icon is another forward option. He'd be the guy you turn to for a late winner, having become the Premier League's all-time Golden Boot winner.
"For raw goals: Shearer, for overall game and trophies: Rooney, for legacy and leadership: Dalglish" - (ChatGPT)
It's all well and good delivering in front of the goal, but you also need a link, and that's where Bobby Charlton comes in. ChatGPT claim the United legend is the best Brit in history based on his success with club and country.
Charlton played a crucial role in England's 1966 World Cup win and his explosive playing style would be a treat in this British team. He was also one of football's good guys, and his excellent professionalism could be a huge difference maker under a manager he knows all too well.
"Best, Bale, Giggs provide width; Rooney, Dalglish, Shearer for goals; Charlton to link play" - (ChatGPT).
Manager
Sir Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson
There really wasn't a better choice to take to this team's dugout than Sir Alex Ferguson who is the most successful manager in British football history. The iconic Scot's achievements are astounding, including 13 league titles and a treble during his Manchester United reign.
That's not his biggest feat though as guiding Aberdeen to the European title with a shock win over Real Madrid in 1983 truly put his name up in lights. He would have years of experience and be able to keep the star-studded group in line also offering tactical flexibility and a willingness to rotate.
"In essence, no other British manager has achieved this level of success across so many dimensions, for so long, in such a high-pressure environment. His career is the gold standard for management in British — and arguably world — football" - (ChatGPT).
All data and quotes courtesy of ChatGPT - produced on 04/07/2025
Greatest 11 of British Players in Football History Related
AI Names the Greatest British 11 in Football History
From Welsh wizard Ryan Giggs to England's World Cup-winning Rolls-Royce Bobby Moore - ChatGPT has made a star-studded British team.