F is for Finney

Tom Finney, also known as the 'Preston Plumber' is one of England's most loved players.

He won 76 caps for the Three Lions and scored 30 goals playing as a forward and on both flanks, in the period some refer to as the 'golden age of English football'.

Bill Shankly famously said: "Tom Finney would be great in any team, in any age, in any match - even if he had been wearing an overcoat."

Those who were lucky enough to witness Finney's play often swooned at his pin-point passing, incredible balance and powerful shots with both feet. He often picked the ball up inside his own half and made long jinking runs before supplying a cross or shooting at goal himself.

Due to World War Two, Finney became one of a few players who made his debut for England before they had played a league game for their club side, in 1946.

His first game for England came in a 7-2 thrashing of Northern Ireland. His most famous games for England - who at the time were considered to be the best side in the world - were against Portugal in a 10-0 hammering in which he scored, and a 4-0 win over reigning world champions Italy in Turin, netting twice.

Unfortunately, Finney was part of the England team that suffered a massive upset in losing to USA at the 1950 World Cup, but he remained a hugely popular player around the country.

A gentleman on the pitch as well as off it, Finney was never booked or sent off. He was known as the 'Preston Plumber' due to the fact he worked as a plumber by day and trained by night in order to earn more than the maximum wage.

After retiring in 1960 he was awarded an OBE a year later, and was deservedly knighted for his services to football in 1998.