ENGLISH football fans have been blessed over the
years.
OK, the national team have not exactly set the world on fire.
But when it comes to domestic action, we simply cannot be
beaten.
Some of the greatest entertainers have graced England's top-flight
and the debate will always rage about who is the best.
No10: Matt Le Tissier
It's safe to say Le God is one of the greatest players to never win
a major trophy. The talented striker hammered home long-range
stunners for fun and was Southampton through and through. Despite
opportunities to join bigger clubs, Le Tissier spent his ENTIRE
career with the Saints.
No9: Peter Beardsley
There are few players who can be described as legends but
Beardsley fits the bill perfectly. He picked up 59 caps for
England, forming a devastating strikeforce with Gary Lineker. But
he is best remembered for spells with Newcastle, Liverpool and
Everton. Pure and simple, Beardsley played for the love of the
game.
No8: Thierry Henry
Henry is the best player to ever pull on an Arsenal shirt. The
striker's sublime skills made him the club's highest goalscorer but
his time in London ended without what he coveted most glory in
the Champions League. The Frenchman, who started his career as a
winger, is one of the greatest foreign players to grace the Premier
League.
No7: Ryan Giggs
The wing wizard seems to have been around forever and he's still
going strong. The only thing you can say against Giggsy is that he
is one of the best Englishman never to play for his country.
Instead of choosing the Three Lions, the Manchester United ace
opted for Wales. While international success has eluded him, Giggs
has won the lot with United.
No6: Glenn Hoddle
Hoddle was one of the classiest midfielders around. His range of
passing was phenomenal and, most importantly, the Tottenham legend
knew how to score a goal. To put it simply, this man could do it
all. After proving himself in France with Monaco, he enjoyed spells
as player-boss at Swindon and Chelsea.
No5: Cristiano Ronaldo
In years to come, Ronaldo is sure to feature higher in lists like
this. The Portuguese Winker may not be popular with anyone outside
of Manchester but he has cemented his reputation as one of the
world's greatest players. Under the guidance of Alex Ferguson, Ron
has developed into the best goalscoring winger around.
No4: Eric Cantona
When he wasn't kung-fu kicking fans or talking about seagulls,
Cantona did the business on the pitch as Manchester United won
trophy after trophy. The Frenchman was as mad as they come but
truly gifted. He stunned United fans by hanging up his boots in
1997 to pursue an acting career.
No3: Paul Gascoigne
While Gazza can best be described as daft as a brush, the
midfielder could do it all with the ball at his feet. A troubled
genius he may be, but the former Newcastle and Tottenham ace was
one of the few Englishmen to conquer Serie A.
No2: Gianfranco Zola
Zola's love of the game was clear to see from the moment he arrived
at Stamford Bridge. The Italian was a free-kick expert but there
was far more to his game than the ability to curl a ball. Zola
scored breathtaking goals and was one of the main reasons Chelsea
lifted trophies under both Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli.
No1: George Best
Best loved nothing better than scoring on and OFF the pitch. The
Northern Irishman was untouchable with the ball at his feet and was
adored away from the game. His lifestyle was often criticised but
Manchester United would not be the club they are today without him.
Quite simply, he set the standard for everyone to follow.