England Boys of '66 dominate your Team of the Century: 1907-1976

By Dave Smith 28-08-07

Over the last few months we have been asking givemefootball readers, as part of the PFA's Centenary celebrations, to vote for your teams of the century across three different eras: 1907-1976; 1977-1996 and 1997 to the present day.

Our unique and massive poll clearly caught your imagination as football fans of all generations have been voting in their thousands, and now we have the results. Here's the dream team you selected from 1907 (the year the PFA was formed) until 1976...

Gordon Banks

A goalkeeping legend, a World Cup winner in 1966 and voted Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 1970 finals in Mexico where he produced what has been described as the greatest save of all time to deny Brazil's Pele.

Bobby Moore

One of the finest players ever to have graced a football field, anwhere in the world, and not only was he the perfect pro, he was also the perfect gentleman respected by all. And, of course, the late great Bobby is still the only Englishman to have lifted the World Cup.

Jackie Charlton

Brother of Bobby, and another key member of that famous class of '66. He was a Championship, Fairs Cup and FA Cup winner with Leeds and a frightening sight for any centre forward. And, incredibly for a centre half, he scored almost 100 career goals.

Nobby Stiles

Talking of frightening sights, there wasn't any more scary prospects than a 50-50 challenge with good old Nobby whose toothless grin and merry jig around Wembley after the World Cup triumph is part of football folklore.

Duncan Edwards

A giant of a young man, Duncan sadly made a total of only 177 first team appearances and scored just 21 goals before his death at Munich - yet former Manchester United boss Sir Matt Busby rated him as the most 'complete footballer in Britain, possibly the world'.

George Best

No dream team would be complete without the mercurial 'Belfast Boy' who tormented defenders during the late 60s and early 70s. Widely regarded as one of the game's greatest ever players, he helped inspire Manchester United's European Cup triumph in 1968.
Bobby Charlton

Like Bobby Moore, another gentleman of the game whose respect spanned worldwide. Sir Bobby, who was renowned for his thunderous shot, was Player of the Tournament at the '66 World Cup and he went on to win 106 England caps. A Manchester United legend and now director.

Stanly Matthews

The original wing wizard, Sir Stan graced the game for over THIRTY years and was voted European Footballer of the Year in 1956. And, of course, he was a famous FA Cup winner (at last!) in 1953. A Blackpool and Stoke legend, as well as an England star who won over 50 caps.

Alan Ball

Whilst it was hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst who claimed the bulk of the headlines after the 1966 triumph, the energy and determination of little Alan Ball is widely recognised as one of the key factors behind England's triumph. One of the game's great characters who we lost recently.

Jimmy Greaves

One of the greatest goalscorers ever, Jimmy became the first player to score 100 goals before the age of 21. He went on to score an incredible 357 goals in 514 matches (mainly for Spurs and Chelsea)! He also scored 44 goals in 57 England appearances.

Denis Law

The 'Lawman' had a unique style, and a unique goal celebration which was seen many times. During his 11 years with Manchester United, Denis (who also played for rivals City) made 309 league appearances and scored 168 league goals. He also scored 30 goals in 45 Scotland appearances.

Next time we reveal our Team of the Century for the period 1977-1996 - and coming soon, the overall dream team and the players of the century, as voted for by you!