Greatest English Midfielders Of All Time – Top 15
3. Paul Scholes
Scholes is the most adorned English footballer of all time, and one of the most successful footballers in history. He won a total of 25 trophies, featuring 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles. Scholes made his international debut against South Africa in 1997 in a 2–1 friendly win at Old Trafford, and was included in the England squad for the 1998 World Cup.
He was highly viewed for his technical skills, renowned for his accurate passing, intelligent movement and powerful shooting from long range. A tenacious, and versatile box-to-box player, he was capable of playing in any midfield position.
Scholes became a prominent player in England’s midfield, becoming a first-choice selection for the 2002 World Cup. Scholes announced his retirement from international football in August 2004, stating his family life and his career with Manchester United as being more important.
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2. Bryan Robson
Robson started his career with West Bromwich Albion in 1972 before moving to Manchester United in 1981. At United, he became the longest ever serving captain in the club’s history. He represented England on 90 occasions between 1980 and 1991, making him, at the time, the fifth most capped England player.
His goalscoring tally of 26 placed him eighth on the list at the time. Robson lead England 65 times, with only Bobby Moore and Billy Wright having captained England more. He was also known by the nicknames “Robbo” and “Captain Marvel”.
Robson had a “Terrific football brain” and had exceptional awareness and anticipation; frequently intercepting or knowing where the ball would land ahead of other players.
1. Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He was an important member of the England team who won the World Cup in 1966. He also won the Ballon d’Or that year.
Charlton’s exposure as the country’s leading youth football talent was completed when he was called up to join the England squad for a game against Scotland on 19 April 1958, just over two months after he had survived the Munich air disaster.
He was selected for four World Cups (1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970), and aided England to win it in 1966. At the time of his retirement from the England team in 1970, he was the nation’s most capped player, having played 106 times at the highest level. This record has since been held by Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton.
In January 2011 Charlton was voted the 4th greatest Manchester United player of all time by the readers of Inside United and ManUtd.com.