The 10 Greatest England Teams of All Time

02/09/2025 13:55:00 pandatv

The England men's and women's football teams have gone through numerous challenges over many decades. Up to now, the most legendary England team is still the squad that won the 1966 World Cup.

In celebration of the women's team winning EURO 2025, this article looks back at the 10 greatest squads that have represented England in various tournaments, ranging from the 1966 World Cup to the latest events.

1. 1966 Men's World Cup - Champions

The England men's football team in 1966, led by coach Alf Ramsey, secured the World Cup title, marking the greatest achievement in English football history.

That England lineup featured legendary players such as goalkeeper Gordon Banks, defender Bobby Moore, midfielders Nobby Stiles and Bobby Charlton. Notably, the prolific striker Jimmy Greaves, one of England's top goal scorers, was unable to play in the final due to injury.

In his place, Geoff Hurst, who was selected as a substitute, scored a hat-trick in the final against West Germany, helping England win 4-2 after extra time.

2. 2022 Women's EURO - Champions

The England women's team in 2022, under the guidance of coach Sarina Wiegman, made history by winning the 2022 EURO. This was the women's team’s first major title, marking a significant milestone after several previous semifinal and final defeats. In the final at Wembley, England faced Germany, Europe’s strongest rival. The match extended into extra time, where Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly became heroes with decisive goals, securing a 2-1 victory for England.

3. 2025 Women's EURO - Champions

The England women's team in 2025 continued their successful journey under Sarina Wiegman’s leadership, winning the 2025 EURO by defeating Spain in the final.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and substitute forward Chloe Kelly consistently created key moments, especially Kelly’s penalty kick against Spain, which was recorded as faster than any goal in the 2024/25 Premier League season. According to Givemesport, that 11-meter shot reached a speed of 110 km/h, surpassing Alexander Isak’s (Newcastle) strike against Liverpool last season, which was clocked at 108.94 km/h.

4. 1996 Men's EURO - Semifinals

The England men's team at EURO 1996, hosted on home soil, was highly anticipated to win the title. The "Three Lions" overcame challenges to create memorable moments, such as Paul Gascoigne’s goal against Scotland and a commanding 4-1 victory over the Netherlands, raising fans' hopes. However, England was ultimately defeated by Germany in a penalty shootout 5-6 in the semifinals.

Historically, England has only won the World Cup once, in 1966.

5. 2024 Men's EURO - Runners-up

The England men's team in 2024, led by Gareth Southgate, featured a talented squad, especially in attack, with players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden. Despite high expectations, the team’s performance was not outstanding, particularly Phil Foden, who did not show his best form. Nevertheless, England reached the final of EURO 2024 against Spain. Unfortunately, they lost again to this opponent, missing the chance to claim the title.

6. 2004 Men's EURO - Quarterfinals

The England men's team in 2004, known as the "golden generation," was regarded as one of the most talented squads in history. The defense included Gary Neville, Sol Campbell, John Terry, and Ashley Cole; midfielders David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Paul Scholes; alongside 18-year-old striker Wayne Rooney, who made a strong impression in Portugal. Despite this strong lineup, the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of EURO 2004, continuing the "tradition" of this golden generation being knocked out at this stage.

7. 2020 Men's EURO - Runners-up

Following an unexpected success by reaching the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, the England men's team under Gareth Southgate faced immense pressure at EURO 2020. With players at peak form, the team reached the final at Wembley. Luke Shaw’s early goal in the final against Italy ignited the nation, but England ultimately lost in a penalty shootout.

8. 2023 Women's World Cup - Runners-up

The England women's team in 2023, after their triumph at EURO 2022, reached the World Cup final but lost 0-1 to Spain. Under coach Sarina Wiegman, the squad was stronger with star striker Alessia Russo and goalkeeper Mary Earps, who was recognized as the world’s best goalkeeper due to her impressive penalty save in the final.

9. 2009 Women's EURO - Runners-up

The England women's team in 2009, featuring stars like Kelly Smith, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, and Fara Williams – the most capped player in the history of the women's national team – reached the EURO 2009 final, their first major final since 1984. However, they were defeated 2-6 by Germany, who claimed their fifth consecutive title.

10. 1990 Men's World Cup - Fourth Place

The 1990 World Cup brought many memorable moments for the England men's team. David Platt’s volley in the 119th minute against Belgium was one of the most beautiful goals in the team’s history. However, Paul Gascoigne’s yellow card in the semifinal against Germany, along with his tears, became a symbol of heartbreak.

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