Ranking England's 5 greatest footballers of the 21st century 

#3 Steven Gerrard

Former England midfielder Steven Gerrard celebrating a goal for The Three Lions.

Steven George Gerrard was born in Whiston, Merseyside, in England in 1980. He came through the ranks at Liverpool's youth academy, and spent most of his playing career with the Reds. He played for the LA Galaxy for a year (between 2015-16) towards the end of his career.

With Liverpool, the former England international won two FA Cups, three English League Cups, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Cup. Gerrard played a total of 752 club games, scoring 191 goals and assisting 170. The midfielder was known for his venomous strikes from distance.

In 2001, he produced one such effort against Liverpool's arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

You can watch that clip here:

His first-ever goal for Liverpool, too, was a sublime effort. The former England midfielder weaved through multiple defenders before slotting home a grounded finish.

You can watch that clip here:

Gerrard retired in 2016, and has since managed Liverpool's U-18s and Rangers in Scotland. He is currently Aston Villa's manager, making a great start to life at Villa Park.

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#2 Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney celebrating a goal for England in a game

Wayne Mark Rooney was born in Liverpool, England, in 1985. He began his career after coming through Everton's youth ranks, and made his senior debut at the club in 2002. He spent most of his career (2004-17) at Manchester United, where he became a legend of the game. Rooney also had spells with DC United and Derby County towards the end of his career.

Rooney played a total of 767 club games, scoring 313 goals and providing 184 assists. That includes 561 appearances, 253 goals and 161 assists for Manchester United. The former England international is the Red Devils' all-time top scorer.

Rooney won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Europa League. He also won the Golden Boy award in 2004.

The striker was known for his ability to play anywhere across the frontline. Towards the end of his career, he mostly played as an attacking midfielder who pulled the strings in attack for his team.

Rooney also had a thunderous shot, and scored one of the best-ever goals in the history of the game. His strike against United's arch-rivals Manchester City in 2011 was voted the Premier League's greatest ever goal.

You can watch that goal here:

Rooney also scored 53 goals in 120 appearances for England, making him their all-time top scorer. He recently retired as a player, and is now the manager of Derby County, who are enduring financial woes.

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#1 Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard celebrating a goal for England

Frank James Lampard was born in Romford, London, in 1978. He began his youth career at West Ham United, and made his senior debut for them in 1995.

Lampard is most renowned for his stint with Chelsea (2001-14) where he became a world-class midfielder. He also represented Manchester City, New York City FC and Swansea City (loan).

The former England international played an incredible 894 games in his career, scoring 267 goals and providing 190 assists. He won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Europa League. Lampard is Chelsea's all-time top scorer with 211 goals.

Lampard enjoyed a successful career with England as well, playing 106 games, scoring 29 goals and assisting 12. He retired in 2016 with New York City FC. He went on to manage Derby County and Chelsea.