Most capped male England players ever

Peter Shilton remains England's most capped player of all time having appeared 125 times for the Three Lions across a 20-year international career.

Legendary England goalkeeper Shilton is one of 10 players to have hit a century of caps for the Three Lions.

We take a look through the archives at the most capped England internationals of all time.

Most capped male England players ever

Peter Shilton - 125

Making his debut in 1970, Peter Shilton would face the unenviable task of inheriting the gloves from World Cup winner Gordon Banks after Banks lost his sight in one eye in 1972.

Although he'd lose the number one spot to Ray Clemence in the 1970s, Shilton would serve as England's goalkeeper in the 1982, 1986 and 1990 World Cups, going on to take the record as the nation's most capped player.

Wayne Rooney - 120

A prodigious talent, Wayne Rooney had the world at his feet as a teenager. Making his debut in 2003, it was the following year at Euro 2004 when Rooney shone, and only an injury halted his - and England's - international progress.

Rooney would infamously be sent off at the 2006 World Cup with England again being knocked out after Rooney's removal, but was a regular starting centre forward for more than a decade, going on to break Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record.

David Beckham - 115

A villain in 1998, a hero in 2001 and eventually England captain, David Beckham went through it all playing for his country.

Part of Manchester United's Treble-winning team of 1999, Beckham would spend nearly 15 years playing not just for top-class clubs, but his country as well.

Steven Gerrard - 114

A Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard was a crucial member of England sides for nearly 15 years, making his debut in 2000 and eventually hanging up his boots at international level in 2014.

Despite his success at club level, winning the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup, Gerrard was often partnered alongside Frank Lampard, with the duo often maligned for their struggles to play together.

Bobby Moore - 108

The first - and to date only - man to captain England to a World Cup, Bobby Moore also became the third player to earn 100 England caps.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest centre backs of all time, Pele described Moore as his toughest opponent.

Ashley Cole - 107

A modicum of consistency and professionalism, Ashley Cole made his England debut in 2001, quickly establishing himself as the Three Lions' first-choice left-back - a position he'd hold onto for a decade.

A world class operator, Cole was routinely one of the first names on the team sheet, clearing 100 caps for his country.

Bobby Charlton - 106

One of only two members of England's 1966 World Cup winners to have reached 100 caps, Bobby Charlton also holds the distinction of having won the Ballon d'Or.

Making his debut in 1958, just months after surviving the Munich air disaster, Charlton would play consistently for England for more than a decade.

Frank Lampard - 106

Coming through at a similar time to Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard made his debut for England while employed by West Ham, but it wasn't until his move to Chelsea that Lampard really rose to prominence.

Establishing himself as one of his generation's great midfielders, Lampard went on to play 106 times for England.

Billy Wright - 105

Perhaps England's first post-war great, Billy Wright spent his entire club career at Wolves, winning three First Division titles.

Despite standing just 5ft 8in, Wright was a formidable centre-back, captaining his country 90 times and becoming the first player to reach 100 international caps, and finishing as runner-up in the 1957 Ballon d'Or.

Harry Kane - 104

Already England's record goalscorer, it's a testament to Harry Kane's dedication that he's cleared 100 England caps and still has plenty more left to offer. Not turning 32 until the end of the 2024/25 season, Kane will certainly continue to break his own record as England's highest goalscorer, and is sure to overtake some names above him on England's record appearance makers.

*Stats correct as of 25th March 2025.