11 Greatest English Goalkeepers in Football History [Ranked]

England has long been blessed with an abundance of world-class goalkeepers, giving Three Lions managers plenty of tough choices ahead of major tournaments.

In the 1966 World Cup, Sir Alf Ramsey had to select from three top-tier shot-stoppers: Gordon Banks, Peter Bonetti, and Ron Springett. Fast forward to the 1990 edition in Italy, and Sir Bobby Robson faced a similar dilemma, choosing between Peter Shilton, Chris Woods, and David Seaman. These selection headaches highlight the exceptional talent England has produced in goal over the years.

From Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton to Jordan Pickford and Joe Hart, England supporters have witnessed some of the finest goalkeepers in action. Below is a look at the top 11 keepers in the nation's football history.

Ranking Factors

When determining the top goalkeepers in England's football history, several key factors were considered:

• Importance to the Team: Contribution to the team’s success is essential, whether through goals, assists, clean sheets, or general influence on the squad. Even without scoring or assisting, a player’s overall contribution could place them high on the list.

• International Level: While club success is important, performing on the international stage is equally crucial. Players who excelled in both arenas were given higher consideration.

• Clean Sheets: For goalkeepers, consistency in keeping the ball out of the net is vital. Those who consistently delivered clean sheets in high-pressure moments earned their spots.

• Club and International Trophies: Players who played pivotal roles in their teams’ trophy wins were ranked higher. Football at the highest level is about winning, and those who helped secure silverware are ranked accordingly.

• Individual Awards: Some players may not have been on trophy-winning teams every season, but their individual brilliance earned them personal accolades. Such recognition plays a key role in ranking them among the best.

11. Nigel Martyn

Notable clubs: Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Everton

Nigel Martyn's transfer from Bristol Rovers to Crystal Palace in 1989 was a landmark moment in British football history. By becoming the first goalkeeper to break the £1 million transfer fee barrier, he set a new precedent for the value of shot-stoppers in the game.

Throughout a 19-year career, the St Austell-born keeper played over 500 professional matches and earned 23 caps for the England national team. Though often overshadowed by David Seaman as England’s number two, Martyn’s career was nonetheless impressive, with appearances in four international tournaments cementing his place in football history.

10. Paul Robinson

Notable clubs: Tottenham, Blackburn Rovers

Paul Robinson's England career began in 2003 under Sven-Goran Eriksson with a tough 3-1 defeat to Australia. Despite the rocky start, the former Tottenham goalkeeper quickly found success, becoming England's first-choice keeper for Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup, both of which saw the Three Lions exit in the quarter-finals. However, a costly error against Croatia in a Euro 2008 qualifier led to Robinson losing his place under Steve McClaren.

Robinson saw limited international action under Fabio Capello and eventually retired from England duty in 2010. At club level, he thrived at Tottenham before moving to Blackburn Rovers in 2008. His standout moment came in 2007 when he famously scored from inside his own half against Watford.

9. Chris Woods

Notable clubs: Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday, Rangers

Chris Woods spent much of his international career as England’s second-choice goalkeeper, overshadowed by the legendary Peter Shilton. His debut came in 1985 against the USA, but breaking through as the Three Lions' number one was always going to be a challenge. Woods was part of the squad for the 1986 World Cup, though he didn’t see any game time as England were eliminated by Argentina in the quarter-finals.

However, Woods did get his moment as England’s first-choice keeper during Euro 1992, where he played all three group stage matches and kept two clean sheets. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. After a successful club career, including stints with Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday, Woods retired in 1998. He has since transitioned into coaching and currently serves as a goalkeeping coach for the Scotland national team.

8. Peter Bonetti

Notable clubs: Chelsea

Remembering 'The Cat' Peter Bonetti on the day he passed away R.I.P #CFC #CFCHeritage https://t.co/W4CLPQa7iT

— Chelsea Lookback  (@1JamesCHELSEA) April 12, 2023

Peter Bonetti is a true Chelsea legend, earning the nickname 'The Cat' for his lightning-quick reflexes and graceful agility. With 729 appearances for the Blues, he's second on the club’s all-time appearance list. Bonetti was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in England during the 1960s and 1970s, having made his debut at just 18 in March 1960.

His most memorable moment came during the 1970 FA Cup final against Leeds United. Despite suffering an early injury that left him limping, Bonetti delivered a heroic performance, helping Chelsea secure the trophy. While his club career was exceptional, Bonetti’s international tenure was less prominent, with only seven caps for England, which is why he ranks lower on this list.

7. David James

Notable clubs: Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Manchester City

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James amassed an impressive 572 Premier League appearances during his career, representing some of England’s top clubs, including Aston Villa, Manchester City, West Ham United, and Portsmouth. Regarded as one of the league’s finest shot-stoppers, James’ consistency and longevity set him apart.

However, his international career with England was less celebrated, particularly during the so-called ‘Golden Generation,’ in which he struggled to secure a permanent spot. Despite earning 53 caps, James often found himself as the backup goalkeeper. His England career came to a disappointing end in 2010 after a difficult World Cup campaign in South Africa, where he notably conceded four goals in a heavy defeat to Germany in the round of 16.

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6. Joe Hart

Notable clubs: Manchester City, West Ham, Celtic

Joe Hart's rise to England’s number-one goalkeeper under Roy Hodgson sparked some doubts initially. His early performances, including conceding two poor free-kicks against Switzerland in 2011, raised concerns. However, between 2011 and 2015, Hart established himself as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers, earning multiple call-ups and cementing his spot as England's first choice.

Unfortunately, his international career unraveled after costly errors against Wales and Iceland at Euro 2016, which ultimately led to his retirement from England duty. Despite this, Hart's stellar years at Manchester City, where he kept 127 clean sheets in 340 Premier League appearances, ensure his legacy as one of the country's finest goalkeepers. He officially retired from professional football in 2024, closing the chapter on a remarkable career. Happy retirement, Joe!

5. Ray Clemence

Notable clubs: Liverpool, Tottenham

Ray Clemence is undoubtedly one of the finest goalkeepers in Liverpool's history and arguably the best in Europe during the 1970s and early 1980s. His era at Anfield was marked by immense success, with the club securing five league titles and three European Cups, thanks in large part to Clemence's commanding presence between the posts.

From the start, Clemence exuded confidence, inspiring those around him with his assured performances. While most of his accolades came at the club level, he still earned 61 caps for England before retiring from international duty in 1983, leaving behind a legacy as one of the nation's all-time greats.

4. David Seaman

Notable clubs: Arsenal, Manchester City

Renowned for his composure, cat-like reflexes, and excellent positioning, David Seaman was a cornerstone of Arsenal's success during the 1990s and early 2000s. His time at the club saw him win three league titles, including two Premier League championships, cementing his status as a legend at Arsenal.

Throughout his career, Seaman made 344 Premier League appearances and recorded 141 clean sheets. On the international stage, he earned an impressive 75 caps for England over a 14-year period, contributing significantly to campaigns in Euro 1996, World Cup 1998, Euro 2000, and World Cup 2002. His consistent performances and key contributions have solidified his place as one of England's great goalkeepers.

3. Jordan Pickford

Notable clubs: Sunderland, Everton

Jordan Pickford may have his critics, but he has consistently demonstrated his reliability between the sticks. As England's current number one, he is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the league today. Despite the divisiveness surrounding him, his consistent performances and steadfast hold on the England number-one spot highlight his quality.

Even with Everton's recent struggles, Pickford has reliably stepped up when it matters most, leading some to question why he hasn't secured a move to a bigger club. Since making his international debut, Pickford has been Gareth Southgate's first choice, playing a key role in the World Cups of 2018 and 2022, as well as Euro 2020 and 2024.

4 - Jordan Pickford has saved four of the 14 penalties he has faced in shootouts at major tournaments, twice as many as all other England goalkeepers combined saved between 1990 and 2012 (2 out of 36). Hero. pic.twitter.com/vspFL4aZLG

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 6, 2024

2. Peter Shilton

Notable clubs: Leicester City, Stoke City, Nottingham Forest

Peter Shilton was renowned for his intelligence, physical presence, handling, positional sense, composure, and consistency. Rising through the ranks at Leicester City, he quickly established himself as a top goalkeeper, but it was at Nottingham Forest where he truly made his mark. Shilton played a pivotal role in Forest’s European triumphs during the 1978–79 and 1979–80 seasons.

On the international stage, Shilton's record is equally impressive. He holds the record for the most England caps of all time and has appeared in more major tournament matches than all but three other England players, with 20 appearances to his name. His career between the sticks is nothing short of remarkable.

1. Gordon Banks

Notable clubs: Leicester City, Stoke City

Gordon Banks Iconic save against Pele pic.twitter.com/yk6nEmJyBB

— 66 (@LFC_Fish) February 19, 2024

A model of consistency and instinct, Gordon Banks was a formidable shot-stopper with exceptional physical strength, positional awareness, and handling. Widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers ever, Banks continues to inspire admiration and respect in the modern era.

While his club career may not have yielded many trophies, Banks' legacy is cemented by his historic achievements with England. He is the only English goalkeeper to have won a World Cup, playing a crucial role in the Three Lions' 1966 triumph over West Germany.

However, it was at the 1970 World Cup that Banks delivered what is often hailed as "the save of the century." In a group stage match against Brazil, he produced a breathtaking save to deny Pelé. As Pelé's header seemed destined for the net, Banks leaped to his far right, miraculously getting a hand to the ball and flicking it over the bar. This moment epitomized his extraordinary talent and cemented his place as a true legend of the game, deserving of the top spot on this list.