Who is the best defender in England national team history?

From the commanding Bobby Moore to the immovable Rio Ferdinand, England has been blessed with exceptional defenders. Who is the greatest in Three Lions history?

1

Bobby Moore

England's greatest ever captain who lifted the 1966 World Cup trophy with matchless elegance and composure.

2

Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United's commanding center back whose composure on the ball set the template for modern defenders.

3

John Terry

Chelsea's fierce and commanding center back who was England's most dominant defender of the 2000s.

4

Ashley Cole

Arsenal and Chelsea's relentless left back, widely considered the best in the world at his position in the 2000s.

5

Sol Campbell

Arsenal and Spurs' imposing center back who was a mainstay of England's defense at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.

6

Terry Butcher

England's indomitable center back whose bloodied head-bandaged image from the 1989 Sweden qualifier became iconic.

7

Stuart Pearce

England's passionate left back known for his thunderous shooting and redemption penalty against Spain at Euro 96.

8

Gary Neville

Manchester United's tenacious right back who formed a superb partnership with Beckham and made 85 England appearances.

9

Emlyn Hughes

Liverpool's energetic captain who led England through the 1970s and was nicknamed 'Crazy Horse' for his all-action style.

10

Kyle Walker

Manchester City's dynamic right back who excels at both defense and attack and played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

11

Mark Wright

Liverpool center back who shone for England at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, impressing with a sweeper role.