It’s no secret that England have been blessed with a litany of immensely gifted players over the years. Think Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Jimmy Greaves as the cornerstones of three different generations – but none of the aforementioned trio were named by Gary Lineker as the greatest player in Three Lions history.
Not only those who have been mentioned, but the legendary Sir Bobby Moore – a World Cup-winning captain in 1966 – puts together a compelling case to be the greatest footballer ever produced by England. As does the great Paul Gascoigne.
Lineker, an 80-cap England international, also played alongside plenty of great compatriots over his career – Peter Shilton, Chris Waddle and Bryan Robson all spring to mind. But there was one player, a true legend to his nation, who stands above the rest.
Lineker Once Singled Out England’s ‘Greatest Ever Player’
‘He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality’
Instead, striker-turned-pundit Lineker – who made his England debut in 1984 against Scotland – opted for none other than Sir Bobby Charlton, who sadly passed away in October 2023. Considered true footballing royalty, a swarm of kind words flooded in once the news of his passing began to spread.
In response, Lineker took to X (formerly Twitter) to commemorate the life of one of England’s greatest-ever footballers, who had scored an impressive 49 goals in 106 appearances for his nation. Lineker was ‘deeply saddened’ upon learning of Charlton’s death, while he also touched on his welcoming persona.
“Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man. A World Cup winner, Manchester United great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby.”
Ashington-born Charlton also endeared himself to those of a Manchester United persuasion. Emerging through the club’s fabled academy ranks, the one-time Ballon d’Or winner spent a large chunk of his career at Old Trafford – and he went on to play an eye-catching 746 times for the Red Devils.
He was also a key cog in Sir Alf Ramsay’s World Cup-winning squad in 1966, having scored three goals throughout the showpiece tournament. Although he played slightly deeper than Sir Geoff Hurst, he was the perfect supporting act to the line-leader.
Charlton’s international career came to an end in 1970 after losing 3-2 to Germany in the World Cup after spearheading them on north of 100 occasions. Only six players, over the course of England history, have more appearances. A Busby Babe, too, they just don't make them like Charlton anymore.
He, however, believes that Duncan Edwards takes the crown of being England's best player of all time. "Ask me who is the greatest footballer the world has ever seen. Ask me who is the greatest footballer I ever played with. Ask me who is the greatest footballer I ever played against," he said.
"Same answer: Duncan Edwards. Don’t ask me how much greater he would have become. It defies imagination. What’s bigger than a colossus? Think about that. Then remember that I played not only with George [Best] and Denis [Law] but with Bobby Moore. That I played against Pele. They were truly great, but Duncan was the greatest."