My greatest ever England XI

Tuesday, 09 September, 2003

Legendary defender Terry Butcher picks his team as TheFA.com cont

Terry Butcher: Legendary defender Terry Butcher picks his team as TheFA.com continues to search for the ultimate all-time England line-up.

Terry Butcher was a veteran of three successful England World Cup campaigns in 1982, 1986 and 1990.

He was the youngster of the 1982 defence that conceded only one goal in five games in Spain. By Mexico, he was one of the team's leaders as they reached the quarter-finals.

And by Italia 90, he can come to symbolise the spirit that often exists in English teams, as they went all the way to the semi-finals.

Pictures of Butcher wearing a head bandage soaked in blood but willing his side in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Sweden came to represent his never-say-die attitude so it's no surprise to find some hard men in his ultimate England team alongside some very talented players.

"Stuart Pearce would be my left back because I have played alongside him and know what he can do.

"For determination and heart, you couldn't get better. But he could also pass the ball very well and score goals for you. His free-kicks were devastating."

Interestingly, Butcher also selects a current member of Sven Goran Eriksson's side, saying his record stands alongside all the past greats.

"Michael Owen's goals record already make him an all-time great and there is so much more to come from him," says the former Ipswich and Rangers defender.

"But I have gone for players from before my time as well because I have heard from people how good they were. At Rangers there were some former players who had come up against Duncan Edwards and they say how phenomenal he was. So I have no hesitation in picking him."

TERRY BUTCHER'S ULTIMATE ENGLAND XI

Goalkeeper - Peter Shilton (1970-90) 125 caps, 0 goals
The most-capped international in England's history, Shilton played in three World Cups and was 40 when he reached the semi-finals of Italia 90. A famously intensive trainer, Shilts won the league championship and two European Cups with Nottingham Forest

Right-back - George Cohen (1964-68) 37 caps, 0 goals
Gentleman George played in every game of the 1966 World Cup triumph and George Best has gone on record as saying he was the best full-back he ever had to face. Cohen has successfully beaten cancer since his retirement

Central defender - Bobby Moore (1962-73) 108 caps, 2 goals
Moore won three major cup competitions at Wembley in successive years, The FA Cup in 1964 with West Ham, Cup-Winners Cup in '65 and then the World Cup the following year. Tragically died of cancer in 1993 and the age of 51.

Central defender - Duncan Edwards (1955-57) 18 caps, 5 goals
Many shrewd judges believed Edwards was destined to be England's best ever player when he was tragically killed in Munich at the age of 21. He combined power with skill and was the greatest of Manchester United's Busby Babes, happy in several positions.

Left-back - Stuart Pearce (1987-1999) 78 caps, 5 goals
Nicknamed 'Psycho' for his fearsome tackler, Pearce was more than a bruiser. He could pass the ball and was deadly from set pieces or the penalty spot, apart from one infamous occasion at Italia 90. Came late to the game after training as an electrician and supporters could identify with his whole-hearted attitude

Winger - Stanley Matthews (1934-57) 54 caps, 11 goals
The Wizard of the Dribble was as world-famous in his day as David Beckham is today. He turned full-backs inside-out over five decades and his tally of caps would have been much higher but for the Second World War. Football's first knight

Midfield - Bryan Robson (1980-91) 90 caps, 26 goals
Almost reached a hundred caps despite being injured at key times during his career. Bobby Robson believes England would have won the 1986 World Cup if his skipper hadn't injured a shoulder in the group stages. Captain Marvel led his country 65 times

Midfield - Paul Gascoigne (1889-98) 57 caps, 10 goals
An icon of the early 1990s, Gazza became so famous everyone in the country - including non-football fans - knew him by nickname alone. His fantastic balance and speed over short distances allowed him to dribble past opponents at will and his goal against Scotland in Euro 96 is rated one of Wembley's greatest ever

Winger - Tom Finney (1947-59) 76 caps, 30 goals
Stanley Matthews thought Finney was even better than he was. The Preston Plumber had a better goalscoring record than his famous colleague and was voted Footballer of the Year in 1954 and 1957. Still involved with his beloved Preston North End

Striker - Geoff Hurst (1965-72) 49 caps, 24 goals
Still the only man in history to have scored a World Cup Final hat-trick, his career was more than just 120 minutes at Wembley in 1966. Scored a goal every two games throughout his international career and was capable on the ground or in the air

Striker - Michael Owen (1998-present) 52 caps, 23 goals
If he continues at his current rate, the 23-year-old could end up beating Peter Shilton's record number of caps and Sir Bobby Charlton's number of goals. Burst onto the scene at 18 with a World Cup classic strike against Argentina and has been the first-choice attacker ever since. Scored in last year's World Cup quarter-final v Brazil

TOTAL VOTES SO FAR (after 4 nominations)

4 votes - Stanley Matthews, Bobby Moore, Bryan Robson

3 - Bobby Charlton, Tom Finney

2 - Gordon Banks, George Cohen, Duncan Edwards, Paul Gascoigne, Jimmy Greaves, Alan Shearer, Peter Shilton

1 - Jimmy Armfield, Roger Byrne, Neil Franklin, Johnny Haynes, Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker, Michael Owen, Stuart Pearce, Kenny Sansom, Des Walker, Ray Wilson, Billy Wright

Terry was talking to Joe Bernstein

My greatest ever England XI

Legendary defender Terry Butcher picks his team as TheFA.com cont

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