Bobby Moore - England
If England had the most powerful defense in the 1966 World Cup, its strongest unit and linchpin was the skipper Bobby Moore. Not the fleetest of foot, Moore overcompensated by his fleetness of belief, effortlessly appearing in the correct place at the precise time to break up yet another attack. Coming out of defense Moore had the capability of hanging onto the ball for just the ideal amount of time; many a defender has wrecked his oppositions chances by holding onto the ball too long, resulting in insurmountable problems once he had been stolen of possession; but not Moore, his attacking pass coming once the other team had moved a little too far forward, thereby making that extra yard that is so essential for both midfield and attack. Moore not only ensured that the England goal was secured by a fortress, but that the whole side maintained its shape; the days were long past when many players stroke of brilliance could overcome the deficiencies acquired in a lack of organization. Moore’s form had fallen before the World Cup began a product of being stripped of the West Ham skipper role; fortunately for England he recovered his touch and his ability just in time. Not the least of Moore’s qualities was his capability to accept and enforce rules given from the England bench.

Gary Lineker
Linekers international career really started off during the 1986 world cup finals in Mexico, as he scored a hat trick against Poland, two goals against Paraguay and one against Argentina, to be honored with the football golden boot award. He scored four goals in a friendly game against Spain in 1987. His only low moment was his disappointing showing during the 1988 and 1992 European football championships, as he failed to even score a single goal in either competition. The 1990 world cup finals witnessed Lineker scoring another 4 goals for England, two vital penalties against Cameroon most notable. All together, Lineker scored 48 goals for his nation, just one behind the all time of record of 49 attained by Bobby Charlton.

Rio Ferdinand - England
Despite making Glenn Hoddles 22 man squad for the 1998 world cup he failed to feature in any games. Due to his outstanding defensive displays for West Ham, it earned him a transfer to Leeds United for £18 million in November 2000. Ferdinand was England’s first choice centre back during the 2002 world cup finals. He produced outstanding performances during the 2002 world cup finals, he was a rock at the heart of England’s defense in their spectacular 1-0 victory over Argentina, and he was outstanding against Sweden, Nigeria and Denmark. He scored England’s opening goal in their second round match against Denmark which they went onto win 3-0. Ferdinand’s breath taking performance in the 2002 world cup finals earned him a move to Manchester United for a staggering £30 million which remains the largest fee paid to a defender. He helped Manchester United win the premiership in the 2002/03 season and the F.A cup for the 2003/04 season. Ferdinand was an integral part of the England first team, participating in the 2006 world cup finals.