The country that gave the world the beautiful game has also graced it with some of the greatest players to have ever taken to the field, despite their relative lack of success on the international stage.

It is now 51 years since England's one and only triumph, when Sir Alf Ramsey's wingless wonders held the Jules Rimet trophy aloft following a 4-2 extra-time win over arch-rivals West Germany at Wembley on July 30, 1966.

It was a match which provided drama and controversy in equal measure, but undoubtedly remains the most iconic and euphoric moment in English football history.

All of those involved that day have taken their place in the hall of the immortals as far as football fans in this country are concerned, and many of them have earned a spot in this list for their contributions before and after that landmark triumph.

However, there are greats of English football's past who have also missed out given the fierce competition of this list, which prioritises achievements on the international stage above those at club level - although the overall careers of these players have also been taken into account.

There is no place for the likes of Martin Peters, John Barnes, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Dixie Dean, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, Tony Adams, Stuart Pearce, Nat Lofthouse, Duncan Edwards, Ray Clemence and many more, but in a nation with as many towering figures as England, high-profile casualties are impossible to avoid.

Here are Sports Mole's top 20 England players of all time - click below to get started.