England Top Goal Scorers of All-Time
When it comes to the rich history of English football, one aspect that stands out is the impressive list of top goal scorers for the England national team. These players have left an indelible mark on the sport, etching their names into the annals of footballing greatness. Here is the list of the top goal scorers of England:
S.no. |
Players |
Goals |
Years |
|
1 |
Harry Kane |
56 |
2015 – present |
|
2 |
Wayne Rooney |
53 |
2003 – 2018 |
|
3 |
Bobby Charlton |
49 |
1958 – 1970 |
|
4 |
Gary Lineker |
48 |
1984 – 1992 |
|
5 |
Jimmy Greaves |
44 |
1959 – 1967 |
|
6 |
Michael Owen |
40 |
1998 – 2008 |
|
7 |
Nat Lofthouse |
30 |
1950 – 1958 |
|
8 |
Alan Shearer |
30 |
1992 – 2000 |
|
9 |
Tom Finney |
30 |
1946 – 1958 |
|
10 |
Vivian Woodward |
29 |
1903 – 1911 |
Top 10 England Goal Scorers of All Time
From the early pioneers to the modern stars, these goal scorers have showcased their skill, technique, and ability to find the back of the net with consistency and flair. Their contributions have not only entertained fans but also played a crucial role in England’s success on the international stage.
In this article, we will explore the careers of some of England’s top goal scorers of all time, delving into their achievements, records, and the lasting impact they have had on English football. Join us as we celebrate the legends who have lit up the pitch and left an indelible legacy as England’s top goal scorers.
TRENDING
1. Harry Kane (2015 – present)
Kane made his debut for the England national team in 2015, scoring in a 4-0 victory over Lithuania. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that he began consistently finding the back of the net on the international stage, impressively scoring seven goals in six appearances.
His goal-scoring form carried over into 2018, including the FIFA World Cup held in Russia, where he found the net eight times in 12 matches. Notably, six of those goals were scored during the World Cup itself, helping England reach the semifinals of the tournament.
Kane’s impressive scoring continued in 2019, with his goal tally reaching 12 for the year. He contributed to England’s success in both the European Championship qualifying matches and the UEFA Nations League.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the football calendar, resulting in a limited number of matches for Kane and the England team. Consequently, he failed to score in the six matches he played that year.
However, in 2021, Kane experienced a remarkable resurgence, achieving a personal record of 16 goals in 16 matches. This outstanding goal-scoring form showcased his ability to consistently find the back of the net throughout the year.
Kane’s prolific goal-scoring prowess is further highlighted by his ranking among England’s all-time top scorers when considering goals per appearance. With an impressive average of 0.66 goals per match played, he surpasses other prominent goal-scorers from the Premier League era. This statistic demonstrates his exceptional ability to consistently score goals for his country.
2. Wayne Rooney (2003 – 2018)
Wayne Rooney, one of England’s most prolific footballers, scored a total of 53 goals for the national team during his career, spanning from 2003 to 2018. Rooney’s international journey began in 2003 when he made his debut for England at the age of 17. He quickly established himself as a talented and versatile forward, capable of scoring goals and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Throughout his international career, Rooney consistently showcased his goal-scoring ability and played a crucial role in England’s campaigns. His 53 goals came in a variety of competitions, including friendly matches, European Championship qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers, and major tournaments.
Rooney’s highest-scoring year for England was in 2014 when he netted 10 goals in 13 appearances. Notably, he scored the majority of his goals during the qualification stages of major tournaments.
His goal tally made him England’s all-time leading goal scorer until Harry Kane surpassed his record in 2019. Despite this, Rooney’s impact on the national team was significant, and his goal-scoring exploits earned him a revered place in English football history.
3. Bobby Charlton (1958 – 1970)
Bobby Charlton, a legendary figure in English football, scored a total of 49 goals during his international career, which spanned from 1958 to 1970. He represented England on 106 occasions, earning caps for his country.
Charlton’s international journey began in 1958, when he made his debut for the England national team. Over the years, he established himself as a talented and influential player, known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and powerful long-range shots.
His 49 goals for England came in a range of competitions, including friendly matches, European Championship qualifiers, and World Cup tournaments. Charlton’s highest-scoring year for the national team was in 1966, a memorable year for English football, when he scored nine goals.
One of Charlton’s most significant achievements came in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by England. He played a pivotal role in guiding his country to their first and only World Cup triumph. Charlton’s crucial goals during the tournament, including two in the semifinal against Portugal, contributed to England’s success.
Charlton’s goal-scoring prowess, combined with his versatility and technical skills, made him a vital asset for the England team. He was known for his ability to strike the ball with precision and power, both from open play and set-pieces.
4. Gary Lineker (1984 – 1992)
Gary Lineker, a prominent figure in English football, scored a total of 48 goals during his international career, which spanned from 1984 to 1992. He represented England on 80 occasions, earning caps for his country.
Lineker’s international journey began in 1984, following his successful club career. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and clinical finishing, Lineker quickly established himself as a key player for the England national team.
His 48 goals came in various competitions, including friendly matches, European Championship qualifiers, and World Cup tournaments. Lineker’s highest-scoring year for England was in 1986 when he netted 10 goals.
One of Lineker’s most notable achievements came in the 1986 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico. He emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, finding the back of the net six times and winning the Golden Boot award. Lineker’s goals were instrumental in helping England reach the quarterfinals.
Lineker’s goal-scoring prowess, combined with his intelligent movement and ability to create chances, made him a formidable force for opposing defenses to handle. His poaching instincts and clinical finishing in front of goal earned him a reputation as one of the best English strikers of his era.
In 1992, Lineker played his final international match for England. By the end of his international career, he had amassed an impressive tally of 48 goals in 80 appearances, solidifying his status as one of England’s all-time leading goal scorers.
5. Jimmy Greaves (1959 – 1967)
Jimmy Greaves, a prolific goal scorer, netted a total of 44 goals during his international career for England, which spanned from 1959 to 1967. He represented his country on 57 occasions, earning caps for his remarkable contributions.
Greaves made his debut for the England national team in 1959 and quickly established himself as a lethal striker. Known for his clinical finishing, Greaves possessed natural goal-scoring instincts and an exceptional ability to find the back of the net.
His 44 goals for England came in various competitions, including friendly matches, European Championship qualifiers, and World Cup tournaments. Greaves’ highest-scoring year was in 1964 when he scored 13 goals, showcasing his extraordinary scoring prowess.
Although he missed out on the 1966 FIFA World Cup triumph due to injury, Greaves played a vital role in helping England qualify for the tournament. His goal-scoring contributions during the qualifiers were instrumental in England’s successful campaign.
Greaves’ goal-scoring ability was evident in his remarkable strike rate, averaging nearly a goal per game during his international career. His impressive record of 44 goals in 57 appearances highlights his exceptional talent as a finisher.
In 1967, Greaves played his final international match for England. Despite his relatively short international career, his impact on the team was undeniable, leaving a lasting impression as one of England’s greatest goal scorers.
Greaves’ achievements, including his goal-scoring exploits and his incredible strike rate, cemented his status as a legendary figure in English football. His contributions to the national team and his ability to consistently find the back of the net make him a revered and iconic player in English football history.
6. Michael Owen (1998 – 2008)
Michael Owen, a talented striker, scored a total of 40 goals during his international career for England, which spanned from 1998 to 2008. He represented his country on 89 occasions, earning caps for his notable contributions.
Owen burst onto the international scene in 1998 when he made his debut for the England national team. With his exceptional speed, clinical finishing, and ability to exploit gaps in opposing defenses, Owen quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in English football.
His 40 goals for England came in a variety of competitions, including friendly matches, European Championship qualifiers, and World Cup tournaments. Owen’s highest-scoring year for the national team was in 2001 when he found the net on nine occasions.
Owen’s most memorable international tournament came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France. Despite his young age, he played a crucial role in England’s campaign, scoring a remarkable solo goal against Argentina in the Round of 16. This goal showcased his pace, agility, and composure in front of goal.
Throughout his international career, Owen consistently showcased his ability to score goals in high-pressure situations. His knack for finding the back of the net, combined with his blistering pace, made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
In 2008, Owen played his final international match for England. Though injuries hampered his later career, his impact on the national team was significant. With 40 goals in 89 appearances, he remains one of England’s leading goal scorers.
7. Nat Lofthouse (1950 – 1958)
Nat Lofthouse, a renowned English footballer, scored a total of 30 goals during his international career for England, which spanned from 1950 to 1958. He represented his country on 33 occasions, leaving a lasting impact with his goal-scoring prowess.
Lofthouse made his debut for the England national team in 1950 and quickly established himself as a formidable striker. Known for his physicality, strength, and aerial ability, Lofthouse earned the nickname “The Lion of Vienna” after his impressive performance in a match against Austria.
His 30 goals for England came in various competitions, including friendly matches, European Championship qualifiers, and World Cup tournaments. Lofthouse’s highest-scoring year was in 1952 when he found the net on ten occasions.
One of Lofthouse’s most memorable moments in an England shirt came during the 1958 FIFA World Cup held in Sweden. He scored three goals during the tournament, including two in the quarterfinals against Brazil, although England eventually lost the match.
Lofthouse’s style of play, characterized by his physicality and ability to dominate defenders, made him a feared presence in the opposition’s penalty area. He was known for his powerful headers and clinical finishing, often finding the back of the net with his aerial prowess.
In 1958, Lofthouse played his final international match for England. His impact on the national team, despite his relatively limited number of appearances, was significant. His goal-scoring ability, combined with his tenacity and strength, solidified his place as one of England’s notable goal scorers.
8. Alan Shearer (1992 – 2000)
Alan Shearer, a prolific English striker, scored a total of 30 goals during his international career for England, which spanned from 1992 to 2000. He represented his country on 63 occasions, leaving an indelible mark with his impressive goal-scoring ability.
Shearer’s journey with the England national team began in 1992 when he made his debut. Known for his strength, power, and clinical finishing, Shearer quickly established himself as one of the most feared strikers in English football.
His 30 goals for England came in a range of competitions, including friendly matches, European Championship qualifiers, and World Cup tournaments. Shearer’s highest-scoring year was in 1996 when he netted nine goals, displaying his exceptional goal-scoring prowess.
Shearer’s impact on the international stage was particularly evident during the UEFA Euro 1996 tournament hosted by England. He played a pivotal role in guiding his country to the semifinals, scoring five goals in the tournament, which made him the joint-top scorer alongside Germany’s Jürgen Klinsmann.
Shearer’s ability to hold up play, create opportunities for his teammates, and convert chances with precision made him a prominent figure in England’s attack. His powerful strikes and expert positioning inside the box often left defenders struggling to contain him.
In 2000, Shearer played his final international match for England. Despite retiring from international football at a relatively young age, his impact on the national team was significant. With 30 goals in 63 appearances, he established himself as one of England’s leading goal scorers.
9. Tom Finney (1946 – 1958)
Tom Finney, an esteemed English footballer, scored a total of 30 goals during his international career for England, which spanned from 1946 to 1958. He represented his country on 76 occasions, leaving an enduring impact with his remarkable skills and goal-scoring ability.
Finney made his debut for the England national team in 1946, following the end of World War II. Known for his exceptional dribbling, pace, and versatility, Finney became renowned as one of the most gifted players of his generation.
His 30 goals for England came in various competitions, including friendly matches, British Home Championship games, and World Cup qualifiers. Finney’s highest-scoring year was in 1954 when he found the net on six occasions.
Although he never had the opportunity to play in a major international tournament like the World Cup, Finney’s contributions to the England team were invaluable. His skillful ball control, ability to take on defenders, and precise finishing made him a constant threat in the attacking third.
Finney’s performances often earned him rave reviews, and he was widely regarded as one of the finest players of his era. His impact extended beyond goal scoring, as he was also an adept playmaker, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with his vision and accurate passing.
In 1958, Finney played his final international match for England, marking the end of his impressive international career. His 30 goals in 76 appearances reflect his consistency and importance to the national team during his tenure.
Finney’s contributions to the England national team and his exceptional footballing abilities have solidified his status as a legend of English football. His influence, both on and off the pitch, has left an enduring legacy, making him one of the most celebrated players in the history of the game.
10. Vivian Woodward (1903 – 1911)
Vivian Woodward, a notable figure in early English football, scored a total of 29 goals during his international career for England, which spanned from 1903 to 1911. He represented his country on 23 occasions, leaving a significant mark with his goal-scoring prowess.
Woodward made his debut for the England national team in 1903, during a period when football was still developing as a popular sport. Known for his clinical finishing, Woodward quickly established himself as a prolific goal scorer and a key player for England.
His 29 goals for England came in a range of competitions, including friendly matches and British Home Championship games. Woodward’s ability to find the back of the net consistently made him a valuable asset for the national team.
Woodward’s highest-scoring year was in 1909 when he scored ten goals, showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring ability. His contributions to the England team were particularly prominent during the British Home Championship, an annual tournament featuring the home nations, where he often found the net.
Woodward’s skill as a goal scorer was evident in his ability to read the game, find space, and finish with precision. His agility and intelligence on the field allowed him to create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
In 1911, Woodward played his final international match for England. His goal-scoring record of 29 goals in just 23 appearances highlights his remarkable efficiency in front of goal.
Woodward’s contributions to the England national team, especially during the early years of football, have solidified his status as a respected figure in English football history. His goal-scoring exploits and impact on the national team’s success have earned him a place among the notable players of his era.
Best Goal Scorers of England
In conclusion, England has been fortunate to witness the talents of numerous exceptional goal scorers throughout its footballing history. From the early pioneers to the modern stars, these players have left an indelible mark on the national team, showcasing their skill, technique, and ability to find the back of the net with consistency and flair
Harry Kane, with his remarkable goal-scoring form, leads the pack as England’s all-time top goal scorer, demonstrating his ability to consistently find the back of the net for his country. Wayne Rooney, Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, and Jimmy Greaves follow closely, each leaving their own significant contributions to England’s goal-scoring history.
The list also includes the likes of Michael Owen, Nat Lofthouse, Alan Shearer, Tom Finney, and Vivian Woodward, who have all made notable impacts on the international stage with their goal-scoring prowess.
These goal scorers have not only entertained fans with their exploits but have also played pivotal roles in England’s success in various competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. Their goals have propelled the national team to memorable victories and have etched their names in English football folklore.
The diversity in playing styles and eras represented in this list highlights the evolution of the game and the different qualities each player brought to the field. From clinical finishing to powerful headers, lightning-fast pace to exceptional dribbling, these goal scorers possessed a wide range of skills that made them formidable forces on the pitch.
Their achievements have not only earned them personal accolades but have also contributed to the growth and success of English football as a whole. Their legacies serve as an inspiration for future generations of players, instilling a sense of pride and aspiration in representing the Three Lions.
As England continues its footballing journey, these top goal scorers will forever be remembered as legends who lit up the pitch and left an indelible legacy as England’s finest goal scorers. Their names will continue to be revered and celebrated in the annals of English football history.
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