Skip to main content
Join The Club
- Join our community
17
Member Features
24/7
Access Available
5K+
Active Members
Live Q&A Sessions
Weekly interactive sessions
Member Competitions
Win exclusive prizes
Exclusive Content
Premium articles & videos
Early Access
First to see new features
Exclusive Newsletters
Football news direct to your inbox
Monthly Rewards
Surprise gifts & perks
GET CLUB ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your football news.
By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more

Get Club Access Quick

Join The Club for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation plus sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background

Welcome to the club !

Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture

Earn Your First Badge

Complete 1 quiz to unlock your first badge.

Keep Earning Badges

Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Football Quizzes

Football Quizzes

Quick quizzes for football fans.

Play Now
Football Crosswords

Football Crosswords

Football-themed crossword challenges.

Play Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore

Members Exclusive

Find the subscription that suits you

Find the subscription that suits you

We’ve highlighted the subscriptions our members get the most value from.

Explore

Sign Out
FourFourTwo FourFourTwo FOOTBALL NEWS, FEATURES, QUIZZES
UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia US EditionUS CA EditionCanada KR Edition대한민국 TR EditionTürkiye
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Soccer Cleat Buying Guides
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Video
  • Features
  • Quizzes
  • Clubs
  • Membership
  • More
    • Interviews
    • Subscribe
    • The Magazine Archive
    • Lists
    • How to Watch
    • About
FourFourTwo Magazine
FourFourTwo Magazine
Why subscribe?
  • Fascinating feature articles, covering everything from grass-roots football to the international scene
  • 'ACCESS ALL AREAS' pass to exclusive interviews with the biggest and best names in the game!
From$29.99
Subscribe now
Don't miss these
Ranked! The best centre-backs in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best centre-backs in the world
Ranked! The best goalkeepers in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best goalkeepers in the world
Ranked! The best strikers in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best strikers in the world
The Best Players In The World Right Now
Player Ranked! The 100 best players in the world, 2025
Career paths
Quiz Quiz! Can you name these 100 players from their career path?
Ranked! The best attacking midfielders in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best attacking midfielders in the world
Ranked! The best right-wingers in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best right-wingers in the world
Ranked! The best left-wingers in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best left-wingers in the world
Cristiano Ronaldo stares into the distance
Person Cristiano Ronaldo's thousand goal stare
Thomas Tuchel watches from the stands at Old Trafford
Team Manchester United trio back in England World Cup reckoning
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Morgan Rogers of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on October 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Team Ex-Aston Villa and England man wants Morgan Rogers to start ahead of Chelsea star at 2026 World Cup
Dan Burn of England poses for a photo at St George's Park on March 17, 2025 in Burton upon Trent, England.
Person 'The 2026 World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me. I either play at this one or never. I’ve got to try and manifest it' Dan Burn is hoping to add an incredible chapter to his fairy tale career
England World Cup 2026 squad: Thomas Tuchel
Player England World Cup 2026 squad: Thomas Tuchel's latest squad ahead of the World Cup draw
England boss Thomas Tuchel has laid down the law
Coaches & Managers England confirm post-World Cup 2026 manager in Thomas Tuchel update
Alan Shearer
Competition & Tournament Quizzes Quiz! Can you name the top 100 scorers in Premier League history?
Trending
  • Spurs begin new manager search
  • Ødegaard: 'This is going to be our year'
  • Ronaldo
  • EPL
  • Interviews
  • Transfers
  • Messi
  1. Team

Ranked! The 50 highest goalscorers in England history

Features
By Alasdair Mackenzie published 15 November 2021

The most clinical footballers ever to pull on the Three Lions shirt

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The Pride of England

The Pride of England

England's goalscoring record was 49 goals - and it was a record that stood for 45 years.

Plenty tried to hit the half-century and many came close. But one man reached the tally just a few years ago, getting to 53 in his career: more on him later in this list.

And actually, there are more than 50 players on this list, too - because over the years several England internationals have become tied on the same number of goals. But we’ve put together the definitive list of the most clinical footballers ever to pull on the Three Lions shirt – a collection spanning three centuries...

Page 1 of 59
Page 1 of 59
49= Paul Gascoigne

49= Paul Gascoigne

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 10

Page 2 of 59
Page 2 of 59
49= Ron Flowers

49= Ron Flowers

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 10

Page 3 of 59
Page 3 of 59
49= Joe Cole

49= Joe Cole

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 10

Page 4 of 59
Page 4 of 59
49= Allan Clarke

49= Allan Clarke

Position: Forward

Goals: 10

Page 5 of 59
Page 5 of 59
49= Franny Lee

49= Franny Lee

Position: Forward

Goals: 10

Page 6 of 59
Page 6 of 59
49= Eric Brook

49= Eric Brook

Position: Forward

Goals: 10

Page 7 of 59
Page 7 of 59
49= Dennis Wilshaw

49= Dennis Wilshaw

Position: Forward

Goals: 10

Page 8 of 59
Page 8 of 59
49= Jackie Milburn

49= Jackie Milburn

Position: Striker

Goals: 10

Page 9 of 59
Page 9 of 59
49= John Barnes

49= John Barnes

Position: Winger

Goals: 10

Page 10 of 59
Page 10 of 59
43= Gilbert Smith

43= Gilbert Smith

Position: Forward

Goals: 11

Page 11 of 59
Page 11 of 59
43= Teddy Sheringham

43= Teddy Sheringham

Position: Striker

Goals: 11

Page 12 of 59
Page 12 of 59
43= Stanley Matthews

43= Stanley Matthews

Position: Forward

Goals: 11

Page 13 of 59
Page 13 of 59
43= Wilf Mannion

43= Wilf Mannion

Position: Forward

Goals: 11

Page 14 of 59
Page 14 of 59
43= John Goodall

43= John Goodall

Position: Forward

Goals: 11

Page 15 of 59
Page 15 of 59
43= Bryan Douglas

43= Bryan Douglas

Position: Forward

Goals: 11

Page 16 of 59
Page 16 of 59
38= Trevor Francis

38= Trevor Francis

Position: Forward

Goals: 12

Page 17 of 59
Page 17 of 59
38= Fred Dewhurst

38= Fred Dewhurst

Position: Forward

Goals: 12

Page 18 of 59
Page 18 of 59
38= Cliff Bastin

38= Cliff Bastin

Position: Winger

Goals: 12

Page 19 of 59
Page 19 of 59
38= Charlie Bambridge

38= Charlie Bambridge

Position: Forward

Goals: 12

Page 20 of 59
Page 20 of 59
38= Marcus Rashford
(Image credit: PA)

38= Marcus Rashford

Position: Forward

Goals: 12

Page 21 of 59
Page 21 of 59
34= Tinsley Lindley

34= Tinsley Lindley

Position: Forward

Goals: 13

Page 22 of 59
Page 22 of 59
34= Bobby Smith

34= Bobby Smith

Position: Forward

Goals: 13

Page 23 of 59
Page 23 of 59
34= Martin Chivers

34= Martin Chivers

Position: Forward

Goals: 13

Page 24 of 59
Page 24 of 59
34= Paul Mariner

34= Paul Mariner

Position: Striker

Goals: 13

Page 25 of 59
Page 25 of 59
32= Paul Scholes

32= Paul Scholes

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 14

Page 26 of 59
Page 26 of 59
32= George Hilsdon

32= George Hilsdon

Position: Striker

Goals: 14

Page 27 of 59
Page 27 of 59
29= Tony Woodcock

29= Tony Woodcock

Position: Striker

Goals: 16

Page 28 of 59
Page 28 of 59
29= Danny Welbeck

29= Danny Welbeck

Position: Striker

Goals: 16

Page 29 of 59
Page 29 of 59
29= Tommy Taylor

29= Tommy Taylor

Position: Forward

Goals: 16

Page 30 of 59
Page 30 of 59
28. David Beckham

28. David Beckham

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 17

Page 31 of 59
Page 31 of 59
24= Roger Hunt

24= Roger Hunt

Position: Striker

Goals: 18

Page 32 of 59
Page 32 of 59
24= Raheem Sterling

24= Raheem Sterling

Position: Forward

Goals: 18

Page 33 of 59
Page 33 of 59
24= Johnny Haynes

24= Johnny Haynes

Position: Forward

Goals: 18

Page 34 of 59
Page 34 of 59
24= Dixie Dean

24= Dixie Dean

Position: Striker

Goals: 18

Page 35 of 59
Page 35 of 59
24= George Camsell

24= George Camsell

Position: Striker

Goals: 18

Page 36 of 59
Page 36 of 59
22= Martin Peters

22= Martin Peters

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 20

Page 37 of 59
Page 37 of 59
22= Jermain Defoe

22= Jermain Defoe

Position: Striker

Goals: 20

Page 38 of 59
Page 38 of 59
19= Kevin Keegan

19= Kevin Keegan

Position: Forward

Goals: 21

Page 39 of 59
Page 39 of 59
19= Steven Gerrard

19= Steven Gerrard

Position: Midfiellder

Goals: 21

Page 40 of 59
Page 40 of 59
19= Mick Channon

19= Mick Channon

Position: Forward

Goals: 21

Page 41 of 59
Page 41 of 59
17= Tommy Lawton

17= Tommy Lawton

Position: Striker

Goals: 22

Page 42 of 59
Page 42 of 59
17= Peter Crouch

17= Peter Crouch

Position: Striker

Goals: 22

Page 43 of 59
Page 43 of 59
16. Stan Mortensen

16. Stan Mortensen

Position: Forward

Goals: 23

Page 44 of 59
Page 44 of 59
15. Geoff Hurst

15. Geoff Hurst

Position: Striker

Goals: 24

Page 45 of 59
Page 45 of 59
13= Bryan Robson

13= Bryan Robson

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 26

Page 46 of 59
Page 46 of 59
12= David Platt

12= David Platt

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 27

Page 47 of 59
Page 47 of 59
11= Vivian Woodward

11= Vivian Woodward

Position: Forward

Goals: 28

Page 48 of 59
Page 48 of 59
11= Steve Bloomer

11= Steve Bloomer

Position: Forward

Goals: 28

Page 49 of 59
Page 49 of 59
10. Frank Lampard

10. Frank Lampard

Position: Midfielder

Goals: 29

Page 50 of 59
Page 50 of 59
7= Alan Shearer

7= Alan Shearer

Position: Striker

Goals: 30

Page 51 of 59
Page 51 of 59
7= Nat Lofthouse

7= Nat Lofthouse

Position: Striker

Goals: 30

Page 52 of 59
Page 52 of 59
7= Tom Finney

7= Tom Finney

Position: Winger

Goals: 30

Page 53 of 59
Page 53 of 59
6= Michael Owen

6= Michael Owen

Position: Striker

Goals: 40

Page 54 of 59
Page 54 of 59
4. Harry Kane

4. Harry Kane

Position: Striker

Goals: 44

Page 55 of 59
Page 55 of 59
4. Jimmy Greaves

4. Jimmy Greaves

Position: Forward

Goals: 44

Page 56 of 59
Page 56 of 59
3. Gary Lineker

3. Gary Lineker

Position: Striker

Goals: 48

Page 57 of 59
Page 57 of 59
2. Bobby Charlton

2. Bobby Charlton

Position: Striker/Midfielder

Goals: 49

Page 58 of 59
Page 58 of 59
1. Wayne Rooney

1. Wayne Rooney

Position: Striker

Goals: 53 

Page 59 of 59
Page 59 of 59
Alasdair Mackenzie

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio. 

Read more
England players from over the years
Quiz! Can you sort these 30 England players by how many goals they scored?
 
 
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal with teammate Oscar Bobb during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
RANKED! Every player to have scored 100 goals in the Premier League
 
 
Alan Shearer
Quiz! Can you name the top 100 scorers in Premier League history?
 
 
Portugal: England's forward Wayne Rooney (L) reacts after his goal in front of Switzerland's midfielder Christoph Spycher, 17 June 2004 at Coimbra's stadium, during their Euro 2004 group B football match at the European Nations championship in Portugal.
Quiz! Can you name every British or Irish player to have scored at an international tournament since 1992?
 
 
Ranked! The best strikers in the world
Ranked! The 20 best strikers in the world
 
 
Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid against Napoli in the Champions League in November 2023.
Quiz! Can you name the 50 most expensive transfer moves by English players?
 
 
Latest in Team
Thomas Tuchel watches from the stands at Old Trafford
Manchester United trio back in England World Cup reckoning
 
 
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Madonna, American singer-songwriter and record producer, and Akeem Morris, watch on from the stands during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at BetWright Stadium on February 08, 2026 in London, England.
Who are Spurs academy prospects with super famous mum worth £620 million?
 
 
General view of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham face major financial headache if they are relegated
 
 
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank
When were Tottenham Hotspur last relegated?
 
 
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
'Mikel is too smart. He won't get caught up in all that' Premier League winner's Arsenal mentality claim
 
 
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Morgan Rogers of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on October 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Ex-Aston Villa and England man wants Morgan Rogers to start ahead of Chelsea star at 2026 World Cup
 
 
Latest in Features
Midtjylland's Guinean forward #07 Dju Franculino celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and FC Midtjylland at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola on October 23, 2025.
Who exactly is Franculino Dju? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report
 
 
Ronaldinho playing for PSG
Friday Football Quiz, episode 102: Can you get 20 correct answers?
 
 
Career paths
Quiz! Can you name these 100 players from their career path?
 
 
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank
Where did it all go wrong for Thomas Frank? FFT investigates
 
 
Football quiz
Quiz! Can you name the team that wore these shirts?
 
 
STOCKPORT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: Ethan Pye of Stockport County during the Sky Bet League One match between Stockport County FC and Blackpool at Edgeley Park on October 11, 2025 in Stockport, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Who exactly is Ethan Pye? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Thomas Tuchel watches from the stands at Old Trafford
    1
    Manchester United trio back in England World Cup reckoning
  2. 2
    England star's World Cup hopes suffer major blow after club setback
  3. 3
    Friday Football Quiz, episode 102: Can you get 20 correct answers?
  4. 4
    Who exactly is Ethan Pye? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report
  5. 5
    Quickfire Quiz 55: Can you answer 10 questions in 90 seconds?

FourFourTwo is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About FourFourTwo
  • Advertise with us
  • Worldwide
  • How to pitch to FourFourTwo

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...