Top 10 Captains of ENG
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No1: Bobby Moore
There could only be one winner. Bobby Moore will forever be cherished by England fans – young and old – thanks to the defining image of him lifting the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley in 1966. The World Cup final victory over West Germany was the greatest moment of the country’s footballing history – and who better to lead the celebrations than inspirational Moore?
No2: Billy Wright
Wright captained England an incredible 90 times – a record the Wolves hero shares with the great Bobby Moore. The defender was the first Three Lions player to reach a century of caps and he was skipper at three consecutive World Cups between 1950 and 1958. A true gentleman, Wright was never booked or sent off during his entire career.
No3: Bryan Robson
The fact Robson was called Captain Marvel says it all. The Manchester United midfielder led out England on 65 occasions, including Euro88 and the World Cups in both 1986 and 1990. Robson would have probably worn the armband even more if injuries had not peppered his career.
No4: Alan Shearer
The devastating centre forward was a commanding leader for England. Shearer took over the captaincy after Euro96 and went on to skipper his country at the 1998 World Cup and Euro2000. The Newcastle legend possessed all the qualities of a great captain — spirit, determination and courage, as well as a superb goalscoring record.
No5: David Beckham
Like him or loathe him, Goldenballs is undeniably an England legend. Beckham’s international future was in doubt when he was needlessly sent off in their 1998 World Cup defeat to Argentina. Yet, he emerged a tougher character and went on to captain his country 58 times in his 99 appearances. Whether that happens again remains to be seen but the memories will never be forgotten.
No6: Tony Adams
The Arsenal legend made his bow as skipper against Romania at Wembley in 1994. The defender’s command saw him captain his country on home soil in the European Championships two years later when England came within a Gareth Southgate penalty of the final. Alan Shearer took over the armband after the tournament when Adams admitted he was an alcoholic.
No7: Johnny Haynes
Described by Pele as the best passer he had ever seen, Haynes was the next major captain after Billy Wright — leading them out on 22 successive occasions. The Fulham forward skippered England in their memorable 9-3 victory over Scotland at Wembley. Haynes then captained his country in the 1962 World Cup, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Brazil.
No8: Gary Lineker
The deadly centre-forward took over the armband after England came within a whisker of the 1990 World Cup final. Lineker went on to lead the Three Lions at Euro92, where he was cruelly denied the opportunity to match Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 international goals after being substituted in the match against hosts Sweden that ensured their early exit.
No9: Kevin Keegan
The perm-haired star has never been shy to voice his opinions and his choice as England skipper was surprising. Keegan captained his country 31 times, including the 1980 European Championships when they narrowly failed to qualify from a tough group that also included Italy, Spain and Belgium.
No10: Paul Ince
The no-nonsense midfielder became the first black player to captain England when he pulled on the armband against the US in 1993. Ince only captained his country on seven occasions but few will forget his inspired leadership — as well as bloodied head bandage — in the goalless draw in Italy that secured their ticket to the 1998 World Cup.
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