Top 10 England goals

Boy wonder: Michael Owen is congratulated by David Beckham

13 April 2012

As England prepare for another busy international week, we look back at 10 of the best England goals ever scored...

David Beckham v Greece, 2001

After being vilified for his sending off against Argentina in 1998, David Beckham had to wait three years for his redemption. England were behind, needing a point to qualify, and looked set to miss out on a place at the World Cup. That is until Beckham stepped up to curve a freekick into the back of the net. The crowd and the country went berserk.

Geoff Hurst v West Germany, 1966

We've all seen Geoff finish off West Germany in the World Cup final. Hurst's strike not only guaranteed victory, but secured Kenneth Wolstenholme his place in the commentating hall of fame. For a spot of comedy, watch the German centre half, not the one tracking back, the one who decides that instead of tackling Sir Geoff, he'd rather linger on the edge of the penalty area and do nothing. He probably thought it was all over

David Platt v Belgium, 1990

One of my colleagues was unimpressed about the inclusion of this goal until I pointed out Platt's ballerina-like turn and swivel. England and Belgium had played out 119 minutes of goalless football in their second round match at the 1990 World Cup until Platt's strike effectively sealed the match. As with others on the list its greatness is heightened by the situation it was scored in.

Alan Shearer v Holland, 1996

England's demolition of Holland in Euro 96 was undoubtedly the high-point of Terry Venables' time as England boss. It was a night where just about everything went the home side's way, with everything they tried coming off. You have to wait for the third goal in this clip, but it's definitely worth the wait. Sheringham fakes the shot and squares it to Shearer who thunders the ball into the top right.

Michael Owen v Argentina, 1998

Owen's goal is the quintessential moment for the post Italia 90 generation. The arch-poacher brilliantly combines speed and control as he homes in on the Argentinean goal before lifting the ball into the top corner. Watching it again, it's easy to forget the enormous disappointment that was to follow.

John Barnes v Brazil, 1984

As if infused with the spirit of Brazilian football, John Barnes produced one of the England's greatest individual goals at the Maracana stadium. Sadly for Barnes the sheer brilliance of the goal led to fans castigating him for his failure to produce similar acts of inspiration throughout the rest of his career.

Paul Gascoigne v Scotland, 1996

It still pains me to watch highlights of England's exit to Germany in the Euro 96 semi-finals – specifically Gazza's agonising stretch as he failed to get on the end of Shearer's cross. Just 11 days before that fateful semi-final Gascogine had scored one of the goals of the tournament, a gorgeous piece of individual skill, which saw him lob the ball over Colin Hendry before rifling it into the net. Football can be a cruel sport.

Joe Cole v Sweden, 2006

Joe Cole's goal was the undoubted diamond in the 2006 World Cup dung heap. England were painfully average throughout the tournament, limping through until they were knocked out by Portugal. Cole's goal was a moment of brightness; a beautiful arching shot that gave England – briefly – something to shout about.

Alan Shearer v Portugal, 1998

Alan Shearer deserves plenty of praise for this brutal finish against Portugal in a 1998 friendly, but compliments should also be paid to the rest of the team. Watch closely as England work the ball in a neat triangle before Graham Le Saux sprays the ball over the top to the onrushing David Batty who hooks it into Shearer's path.

Graeme Le Saux v Brazil, 1995

This goal makes the cut by virtue that is from a full-back, from all of 30 yards out, and is against Brazil. When you are playing against the best team in the world who do you expect to step-up and hit a rocket on the volley? Well certainly not Graeme Le Saux that's for damn sure! Who would have thought little Graeme had this in his locker? Hitting the target would have been an achievement, but shooting across the goal and arching the ball into the top corner is absolutely top notch. Fifth in this video.

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