England players with the most World Cup appearances

With the Qatar 2022 World Cup rapidly approaching, there is no better time to walk down memory lane and kick off our list of the most capped England players at World Cups, from their first tournament in 1950 to the most recent World Cup in 2018.

We start by taking a look at the 10th most capped player, working our way down to the most capped player of all time.

10. Wayne Rooney (11 Appearances)

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney kicks off our list with 11 appearances representing England at the World Cup. His World Cup debut came in 2006, but that may not be Rooney’s fondest memory considering he was red carded during the quarter finals for an alleged stamp on Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho. His sole World Cup goal came in England’s 2-1 loss to Uruguay in their 2014 group game. Rooney will nonetheless be remembered as one of England’s great strikers during his time playing at three World Cups.

9. Michael Owen (12 Appearances)

Next on the list is another household name in English football – Michael Owen. At the time of his World Cup debut in 1998 he became England’s youngest player and youngest goal scorer at the tournament. His performances there brought him international recognition, as he went on to net twice, including the famous wonder goal against Argentina. Owen then went on to score in his next three major tournaments for England, including twice at the 2002 World Cup, becoming the first and only player to net goals in four consecutive major tournaments for England.

8. Gary Lineker (12 Appearances)

Tying Owen for appearances is Gary Lineker who also boasts 12 World Cup caps. Lineker went on to be awarded an OBE and to accomplish many great things off the pitch, but on it he will be remembered for the glory he brought to the Three Lions, scoring 10 goals from his 12 appearances – the most of any England player at a World Cup. Lineker won the Golden Boot for scoring the most World Cup goals in the 1986 tournament where he netted six for his country during what was his debut World Cup tournament.

7. Steven Gerrard (12 Appearances)

Steven Gerrard ranks seventh on the list, also having made 12 World Cup appearances for England. Gerrard was originally planned to make his debut in the 2002 tournament but was pulled out due to injury. The 2006 World Cup came around and Gerrard more than made up for lost time, scoring twice in the group stages and being crowned England’s top goal scorer in the competition that year – quite a feat for someone in his position. The midfielder would go on to be a central figure for England at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

6. David Beckham (13 Appearances)

Arguably the most recognisable name on the list, David Beckham, marks our sixth most capped player of all time. Beckham appeared at three World Cups: the 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup tournaments. During those appearances he spared England many blushes, especially with his memorable free kick ability. Beckham also went on to become the first player to score in three World Cups.

5. Bobby Moore (14 Appearances)

Bobby Moore captained the 1966 England World Cup squad that went on to win the tournament, achieving one of the proudest moments possible for his country. Moore was known as one of the best defenders to ever grace the sport, and captained West Ham for over a decade. He also made appearances at the 1962 and 1970 World Cups, but will always be remembered for lifting the famous trophy at Wembley.

4. Ashley Cole (14 Appearances)

Ashley Cole is next on our list with 14 appearances across the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Although playing a crucial role in all appearances, one that stood out was his performance in the second round of the 2006 tournament where he blocked a critical shot by Ecuador’s Carlos Tenorio, which saved the game for England, who went on to win 1-0. As for personal achievement, a particularly special moment for Cole must have been winning the England Player of The Year award in 2010.

3. Bobby Charlton (14 Appearances)

Another member of the glorious 1966 World Cup squad joins the list, Bobby Charlton with 14 appearances across three World Cups. Often considered one of the best English players of all time, Charlton scored four times throughout his World Cup run. At the time of his retirement from the England team, Charlton had racked up 106 caps for the side which, at the time, marked the record for the most capped player in the side’s history.

2. Terry Butcher (14 Appearances)

Another contender for greatest England defender appears in the form of Terry Butcher. Butcher captained the national team and participated in three of the tournaments: the 1982, 1986 and 1990 World Cups. Butcher will be remembered for his tough, no-nonsense style of play. Despite being less famous than many on this list, Butcher’s legacy will be especially fondly remembered by fans of Ipswich Town, where he began his career and racked up 271 caps from 1976-1986.

1. Peter Shilton (17 Appearances)

And now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the most capped England World Cup player on our list: Peter Shilton. Shilton is the only goalkeeper to make the list, indeed proving what talent he had in the position. His World Cup debut came in 1982 and was followed by his appearance in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.

Over those 17 appearances, Shilton kept a clean sheet for 10 of those games, tying for the record of the most World Cup clean sheets with France’s Fabien Barthez. Aside from his World Cup prowess, Shilton also boasted an impressive league record with over 1000 matches played and over 100 games played for five separate teams.

From the international stage to the local club rivalries, Shilton inspired millions across the globe and still holds the record for the most competitive appearances in world football, having played in 1,390 fixtures across his 30-year career.

Check out all the latest football betting odds at William Hill