The Best Non-English UK All Time XI – The Best of the Rest

There’s always debate surrounding who the best English players of all time. There is seldom debate over who the best Northern Irish, Welsh and Scottish players of all time are. But what if we combined them? Would the all Non-English team beat the best England team of all time?

We’ve made the team for you so all you have to do is vote in the poll below. Also let us know if we’ve missed anyone!

Also, for all you FPL lovers, make sure you stay up to date with our predicted Line-Ups page for all team and player related news. Check out our Feature Article’s page for more fun Football content and Articles

 

Goalkeeper

Pat Jennings – Northern Ireland

Not much debate to be had here. Pat Jennings was an absolute beast in his prime and was a stalwart for Both Tottenham and Arsenal during the 70s and 80s. In a career that spanned over 20 years, Jennings amassed not only plenty of team silverware, but also a multitude of individual awards.
He was nominated for the Balon d’or in 1973, 1975 and 1985 and even won PFA Player of the Year in 1975/76. A true legend of the game.

 

Right Back

Pat Rice – Northern Ireland

Another Northern Irish Arsenal legend called Pat. Most of you may know Pat Rice as Wenger’s trusty assistant from 1996 to 2012. Back in the 1970s however, Rice was an absolute stalwart at the back for Arsenal. He won the double with Arsenal during the 1970/71 season and topped it off by winning their Player of the Season Award the following year. He spent the bulk of his career at Arsenal during the 1970s and even became club captain in 1977.

 

Centre Back

Alan Hansen – Scotland

A man truly ahead of his time. The former Match of the Day pundit was a formidable player back in his day. One of the most decorated players in this team, Hansen helped Liverpool to 8 first division titles, 3 European Cups, 2 Fa Cups and 4 League Cups. A regular feature in almost every team of the year during the 1980s, Hansen is widely regarded as one of the best defenders to ever play the game.

 

Centre Back

Johnny Evans – Northern Ireland

The first still active footballer on the list. While not the flashiest of names, one thing Johnny Evans brings to every team is consistency. One of Fergie’s favourites for a reason, the Northern Irishman’s longevity is a testament to his solid understanding of the game. With 3 Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, 2 League Cups and a Champions League under his belt, he is also not short of Silverware. One of football’s most underrated careers.

 

Left back

Andrew Robertson – Scotland

This should come as no surprise. Like Evans, Robertson is also a still active footballer whose won it all, and is widely regarded as one of the best Left Backs of all time. With over 253 appearances, 67 assists and 1 goals for Liverpool, Robertson cemented himself as not just a Liverpool legend but also a Premier League legend. Registering multiple Premier League Team of the Year selections and even a UEFA Team of the Year selection in 2019. This one picked itself.

 

Right Midfield

Gareth Bale – Wales

The first Welshman on the team sheet happens to be the best British footballer of all time. This man would be the first name on the team sheet even England were included. 3 La Liga’s, a Copa Del Rey and 5 Champions Leagues. Not only was Bale a star at club level, he also helped Wales to their best international run in history. Achieving World Cup Qualification in 2022 for the first time since 1958 and a round of 16 finish at the 2020 Euros. But what was most impressive was Wales’ 3rd, yes 3rd!!! Place finish at the 2016 Euros. A truly astonishing feat for a country that small where football is their 2nd sport. Bale was naturally at the heart of everything. As talismanic as an international player can be.

 

Centre Midfield

Martin O’Neil – Northern Ireland

Another legend of the game. As a player O’Neil is best known for his integral part during the Golden era of Nottingham Forest during the late 1970s. Following their promotion to the First Division in 1977, Forest would win a league title, two League Cups and back to back European Cups in the following 2 years. Making 258 appearances for the club and scoring 48 goals, O’Neil was one of the most dynamic midfielders of his generation.

 

Centre Midfield

Graeme Souness – Scotland

Another absolute legend of the game, and like Hansen, one who was integral to Liverpool’s success during the 1970s/1980s. His play style was described as a unique blend of aggression and finesse. He was part of the legendary Scottish trio who signed for Liverpool in 1978 along with Hansen and Dalglish. Souness’ quality is regularly discussed amongst players of his era and the silverware he was able to win at Liverpool cemented his legacy as a true great of the game. Winning 5 League titles, 3 European Cups and 4 League Cups during his 7 seasons at Liverpool.

 

Left Midfield

Ryan Giggs – Wales

When it comes to wingers it is hard to argue that anyone other UK country comes close to this Welsh pair. Giggs spent an astonishing 24 years at Man United amassing a mind boggling 973 appearances for Man United along with 168 goals and 268 assists. He is the Premier League’s all time assist leader on 162, a whole 43 ahead of 2nd place Kevin De Bruyne. With team honours of 13 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, 4 League Cups and 2 Champions Leagues and individual honours including PFA Player of the Year in 2009, multiple Team of the Decade awards and 6 PFA Team of the Year awards, it’s safe to say Ryan Giggs is the definition of legacy.

 

Striker (Number 10)

George Best – Northern Ireland

Another Man United legend. In truth, George Best could’ve played anywhere across the front 6. But we though best to pop him in the 10 role where his skillset would be best complimented. A true artist of the sport and widely regarded as one the best players of all time. Winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1968 and third place in 1971, Best’s greatness cannot be underestimated. Brazilian legend Pele once described Best as the greatest footballer he had ever seen. As flamboyant on the pitch as he was off it. Best is a true icon of the sport.

 

Striker

Ian Rush – Wales

This final spot was definitely difficult with other great options such as Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish and Mark Hughes. However, we give Rush the nod based on his fit as a natural pure striker and his prolific record for Liverpool. With 346 goals in 660 appearances, he is by far and away Liverpool’s all time leading scorer, a whole 60 goals ahead of Roger Hunt in 2nd place. Rush was as prolific and deadly as they came. With 5 League Titles, 2 European Cups, 3 FA Cups and 5 League Cups, he is also not short of silverware. Truly one of the games greats.

 

Now in any list like this there are always players and legends who were just short of making the cut. Let us know if theses anyone we missed and let us know who would make your team!
Would this team beat England’s all time team?