Who is the best English player in the last 30 years?

Question

For me it's between Gazza & Lineker. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Great question and one I have debated with mates in the pub many a time.

Gazza and Lineker were both boyhood heroes of mine, with Lineker being my favourite (as I was a striker). Gazza was a legend and barring his injury could have been arguably one of the best ever players in the world. Sheringham possed and still does a great vision and quite a ferocious shot. Robson was good and epitomised everything the English game stood for at the time. Rooney is up there as was Beckham. I also think for different reasons Adams, Mabbutt and Shilton too.

However for me the best English player in the past 30 years has to be the great Glenn Hoddle. The man possessed a real engine in a game, covered so much ground. Yet his range of passing and skill level was incredible. If he was from Latin America he would have been a regular for his team and we would be hailing him alongside the best ever players on the planet. Sadly he is English and struggled to make an impact in workmanlike England teams. The fact he shon for Spurs, speaks volumes.

This was only blighted by Diamond Lights and his managerial career, but those should be forgiven

Answer 2

Very difficult to compare players in different positions when we've produced some of the world's finest who were great at what they do. How's about I suggest the best team and take your pick from it:
GK: Shilton
Defence: G.Neville, Adams, Terry, Pearce
Midfield: Beckham, Robson, Gazza, Barnes
Strikers: Lineker, Shearer

Lineker has certainly been our most prolific (edging out Owen for sheer consistency though they're both very similar players) while Gazza showed the most flair of any living Englishman except for arguably Rooney, though the flaw with both of them has been their temperament and tendency to crack under pressure. For solidness in defence you'd go for Shilton for spectacular longevity (125 caps still by far the English record and some great performances to remember him by) just ahead of Seaman. I'd rank Terry above Adams for the same reason - that Adams and Seaman (typically for the often self-destructive Gunners they played for) were too often ending up injured or otherwise lacking despite their formidable passion and talents.
I'd pick out Bryan Robson as one of those forgotten greats of our generation - a solid captain and a scorer and creator of fantastic goals who often gets overshadowed by the greater media personality of Gazza and the greater pace of Barnes.
Terry is certainly one to watch but hasn't played a full career yet so perhaps too early to say. The same could similarly be said of Rooney and Gerrard who might make the list yet.

If I had to pick one it would be Lineker, not for his goals but for his great example and for the fact that his brilliance was consistent if not spectacular like Gazza/Beckham/Barnes. His only deficiency was a lack of 'grit' - he didn't get booked because he hardly ever made a tackle! For this reason, Gerrard might overtake him eventually because he's good at both ends of the pitch. On that criteria, Robson would be Lineker's closest challenger for best English player of the generation.

Answer 3

Most people would opt for Gazza or Lineker as they are most prominent in recent memory. But! Glenn Hoddle (despite all his subsequent mishaps in football management), was quite possibly better than them all

Answer 4

This won't be a vote winner but Peter Shilton is a legend in goal.

Defence - G. Neville (i'll be honest i can't stand the guy but he's bloody consistent)

Midfield - B. Robson (a true leader)

Striker - Lineker but technically better Shearer

Future - Rooney, Gerrard, Agbonla....blah (from Villa)

Answer 5

Kenny Dalglish

Answer 6

Easy man
GK: Matt Murray (best youngster in England from Wolverhampton wanderers)
DEF: Ashley Cole
MF: Paul Ince
ST: Steve Bull

Answer 7

I`d say Alan Shearer.

Answer 8

Nice one Greg.Pele? English?

Answer 9

i think brother it has to be the former english captain david beckham for his contributions not only to the development of english football but world wide.

Answer 10

best english player Alan shearer .but best player played in england is no doubt HENRY