Martin Johnson has been named the greatest England player of all time

Saturday, 14 October 2023 at 13:01

byRugby Rucker

From Rugby World Cup champions to those who came close, we present the finest English rugby players of all time.

Who claims the title of the greatest English player ever? This long-standing debate has persisted for years, spanning generations.

Nevertheless, here is our perspective on this timeless question. We bring you a comprehensive list that includes world champions, exceptional talents across eras, and contemporary legends.

Below is our followers rundown of the top 40 players to proudly wear the iconic white jersey.

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40 best English rugby players of all-time

#40. Mike Teague

#39. Wade Dooley

#38. Manu Tuilagi

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#37. Dylan Hartley

#36. Trevor Woodman

#35. Kyran Bracken

#34. Billy Vunipola

#33. Joe Marler

Joe Marler of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#32. Steve Thompson

#31. Will Carling

#30. Josh Lewsey

#29. Rocky Clark

#28. Lewis Moody

Lewis Moody shares a joke with Mike Tindall - Photo mandatory by-line:Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 19/03/2011 - RUBY UNION - RBS Six Nations - Ireland v England - Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland

#27. Ben Cohen

#26. Matt Dawson

#25. Ben Youngs

Ben Youngs of England on the break to go over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#24. Mike Tindall

#23. Rob Andrew

#22. Brian Moore

#21. Bill Beaumont

#20. Maro Itoje

Woodward wants Maro Itoje back in the second-row

#19. Will Greenwood

#18. Jonny May

Jonny May of England is tackled by Mark Telea of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

#17. Dean Richards

#16. David Duckham

#15. Neil Back

#14. Fran Cotton

#13. Jeremy Guscott

#12. Emily Scarratt

#11. Owen Farrell

Owen Farrell of England takes a penalty kick during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

#10. Rory Underwood

#9. Phil Vickery

#8. Peter Winterbottom

#7. Richard Hill

#6. Jason Robinson

#5. Sarah Hunter

#4. Jason Leonard

#3. Lawrence Dallaglio

#2. Jonny Wilkinson

#1. Martin Johnson