The only northern hemisphere country to win a Rugby World Cup is one of countries most responsible for spreading the game across the globe.
England Rugby won the World Rugby Cup back in 2003, defeating Australia 20-17 in a high-intensive match in what was the greatest moment in the country's rugby history.
With the Nations Championship beginning on a date that most of the English would rather forget, July 4, why not highlight some of England’s best to have worn the classic white shirt?
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The English open the summer international season with one of the biggest challenges in the world: No. 1 South Africa at famed Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Here are five players English coach Steve Borthwick wishes he could call on this summer.
Top 5 Rugby Players In English History
Will Greenwood
Will Greenwood was a key member of the 2003 World Cup-winning squad in Australia. His main position was centre, inside centre, which he had a total of 55 England caps and 31 tries. He also had a well established centre partnership with Jeremy Guscott during his tenure with the Lions.
Jeremy Guscott
Nicknamed the “Prince of Centres,” Jeremey Guscott was a power source for the England Lions. He marked his England international debut in 1989 with a hat-trick of tries against Romania. He cemented his legend status by kicking a dramatic-series winning drop in the dying minutes of the second Test against reigning World Champion Springboks in South Africa in 1997. He was also inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016.
Richard Hill
Richard Hill is an unsung hero of England’s 2003 Rugby World-Cup winning squad. He famously was the only player in the 2003 England Squad who was never dropped by head coach Sir Clive Woodward. He had around 71 caps for England, scoring 12 tries. He represented the British & Irish Lions on three tours, South Africa (1997), Australia (2001), and New Zealand (2005).
Martin Johnson
Martin Johnson is one of the greatest locks and iconic captains in rugby history. He led England to the 2003 World Cup victory, and was the only man to captain the British & Irish Lions on two separate tours. Not only was he captain of the England team, but he also was a manager for the England rugby team and won the 2011 Six Nations. Johnson was inducted to the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011.
Jonny Wilkinson
Jonny Wilkinson is best known for scoring the dramatic, match-winning drop goal that secured the Rugby World Cup for England in 2003. He struck with his right foot, even though he is naturally a left-footed player. Wilkinson is also famous for rigorous work ethic, intense kicking routine, and global sporting dominance. He capped 91 games for England, with 6 tries.
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