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England national football team

The England national football team represents England in men's international football and is governed by the Football Association.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The England national football team represents England in men's international football and is governed by the Football Association. It is nicknamed the Three Lions and plays home matches at Wembley Stadium. As of the latest available sources, the manager is Thomas Tuchel and the captain is Harry Kane.

History

England played the first official international football match in 1872 and has since become one of the most prominent national teams in the sport. Its greatest men’s tournament success remains the 1966 FIFA World Cup title.

Team identity

The team is commonly known as the Three Lions, a reference to the emblem on the England badge. It is governed by The FA and plays home fixtures at Wembley Stadium.

Recent management

Thomas Tuchel became England manager after being announced in October 2024 and formally starting in January 2025. He succeeded Gareth Southgate, who managed the team from 2016 to 2024.

Notable records

Harry Kane is England’s all-time top scorer with 85 goals. Peter Shilton holds the record for most England appearances with 125 caps. England’s highest-profile tournament achievement remains its 1966 World Cup victory.

Key facts

  • The team’s nickname is the Three Lions.
  • Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager in October 2024 and began the role in January 2025.
  • Harry Kane is listed as captain and England’s all-time top scorer with 85 goals.
  • Peter Shilton holds the record for most England appearances with 125 caps.
  • England’s only men’s FIFA World Cup title came in 1966.
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Canadian context

England has a strong following in Canada through football coverage, diaspora communities, and major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the manager of the England national football team?
Thomas Tuchel is the current manager.
Who is the captain of the England national football team?
Harry Kane is the current captain.
How many World Cups has England won?
England has won one men’s FIFA World Cup.
When did England last win the World Cup?
England last won the World Cup in 1966.
Who are the top scorers for England?
Harry Kane is England’s all-time top scorer with 85 goals; Peter Shilton holds the caps record, not the scoring record.
What is the England national football team's ranking?
The provided sources do not give a current FIFA ranking; one source notes England tied its highest FIFA ranking of 3rd in September 2021.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_football_team
    Supports: Nickname, association, confederation, head coach, captain, most caps, top scorer, home stadium, and World Cup title count/context.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Tuchel
    Supports: Thomas Tuchel as England manager and appointment/start dates.
  3. England Footballhttps://www.englandfootball.com/england/mens-senior-team/squad/thomas-tuchel
    Supports: Thomas Tuchel as England men's senior head coach and start date.
  4. BBC Sporthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c978e37ld7ro
    Supports: Gareth Southgate's resignation and managerial succession context.
  5. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gareth_Southgate
    Supports: Southgate's management period and England's FIFA ranking note.