We take a look at England's outstanding playmakers down the years.
Candidates for England's best World Cup midfield
Alan Ball
Ball was the youngest member of England's World Cup winning squad in 1966, with the playmaker just 21-years-old at the time. He proved an instant hit at the finals, with his display in the showpiece against the West Germans of particular splendour. Ball also featured three times at the 1970 competition.
John Barnes
Barnes was part of England's decent run at the 1990 World Cup while he of course played a brilliant part in the Three Lions' song for that year, "World In Motion" by New Order. Barnes played in five games at the aforementioned tournament, missing the semi-final meeting with the Germans due to injury.
David Beckham
Beckham has played at three World Cup finals and missed out on a fourth after picking up an Achilles injury prior to the 2010 competition. The midfielder has had an eventful World Cup history, after he was dismissed against Argentina in 1998 having scored versus Colombia in the group stage. He then struck a crucial penalty against the Argentines in 2002 before sending the Three Lions to the quarter-finals in 2006 by netting against Ecuador.
Peter Beardsley
Outstanding attack-minded footballer Beardsley played at two separate World Cup finals while achieving over 50 caps for his country. Beardsley has a World Cup goal to his name after finding the back of the net in England's 3-0 win over Paraguay in 1986.
Bobby Charlton
The fantastic Charlton could play in attack and midfield, such were his instincts to push on and his eye for goal. He lifted the World Cup in 1966 and was also named European Footballer of the Year. His first appearances on the world stage came in 1962, and he scored against Argentina in the group stage. Four years later he was on target versus Mexico and then netted a brace against Portugal to send England to the final. He also played at the 1970 World Cup where England lost in the quarter-finals to the Germans.
Paul Gascoigne
Gascoigne was a key member of England's 1990 World Cup squad that reached the semi-finals. Things, however, turned sour for Gazza when he received a booking in against the Germans which would mean he would miss the final, should England beat their opponents. Nonetheless, England lost on penalties, yet Gascoigne was named in the Team of the Tournament for his displays.
Johnny Haynes
Haynes played at two World Cup tournaments, with his first appearances coming at the 1958 tournament. And he struck at said competition, helping England achieve a draw versus Austria. But the Three Lions failed to advance from Group 4. He was again called upon four years later as England reached the quarter-finals, but he missed out on their successful 1966 campaign due to fitness following a serious injury.
Glenn Hoddle
Former England boss Hoddle was a supremely gifted midfielder during his heyday. He featured in two World Cup finals, making a single appearance at the 1982 competition. He played a more prominent role four years later, helping his nation reach the quarter-finals following some fine performances.
Steve McMahon
McMahon has three World Cup appearances to his name, all of which came at the 1990 tournament. He played a full 90 minutes in England's 1-0 win over Egypt in the group stage. McMahon then featured versus Belgium before he was selected for the third-placed play-off against Italy.
Martin Peters
Peters was a fine midfielder during his prime, with his speed and creativity helping to propel England to glory in 1966. Indeed, Peters scored in the 4-2 win over West Germany in the final at Wembley. He was again called upon four years later, and again he netted versus the Germans. But this time England lost in extra-time.
David Platt
Platt managed an impressive return of three World Cup goals from four appearances. Indeed, the midfielder netted some crucial goals for his country. First, Platt came off the bench to score a brilliant volley with a minute left of extra time against Belgium in 1990. He then opened the scoring versus Cameroon as England won 3-2. And his third came in the third-placed play-off versus Italy after England had lost on penalties versus the Germans.
Bryan Robson
Battling midfielder Robson played at three consecutive World Cup tournaments, starting in 1982. And he made a stunning impact on the world stage, scoring against France in the first minute. 'Captain Marvel' then skippered his country four years later but his involvement was restricted due to injury. And again in 1990 the dogged midfielder was hampered by fitness woe.
Paul Scholes
Scholes was a little magician for England, and he is still shining for Manchester United after hanging up his international boots in 2004. And current boss Fabio Capello did attempt to persuade him out of retirement for this summer, such is his ability. He played at both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, scoring once against Tunisia at the former.
Nobby Stiles
Brilliant midfielder Styles played every minute of England's triumphant World Cup campaign in 1966. Indeed, he shone throughout the tournament with his arguable highlight coming in the semi-finals when he nullified the threat of the world-class Eusebio to help the Three Lions reach the final.
Chris Waddle
Midfielder Waddle featured at two World Cup finals. He first played in the 1986 tournament, notching two appearances. He played more of a key role four years later, helping to drive his side on to the semi-finals. However, said encounter versus the Germans proved a painful experience for Hoddle after he saw his spot-kick zoom over the bar during their crunch penalty shoot-out.
Ray Wilkins
Wilkins played at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. The influential midfielder featured heavily during the former, but his nation failed to advance past the second round. He was again called upon four years later, but against Morocco he became the first England player to be sent off at a World Cup.
Who do you think are England's four greatest midfielders? Make your selections using the VOTE tab
