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St George's Day XI: The best players to have played for England, featuring Charlie George and John Terry...

A selection of 11 players to have played in England over the years that have George in their name

Jack de Menezes
Thursday 23 April 2015 09:51 BST
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The St George's Day best XI and manager George Allison
The St George's Day best XI and manager George Allison

As St George's Day continues to spark mass debate over whether it is a day of celebration or one that has been hijacked by political meaning, there's no doubt that in the world of football, players are proud to pull on the Three Lions of England.

FA chairman Greg Dyke has already spoken of his desire to transform St George's Day into something akin to what it was when he was young.

"When I go back to when I was a kid, St George's Day was an important day," Dyke told FA TV. "We used to have celebrations at my primary school and we used to celebrate England.

"Over time, I think St George's Day got captured by political movements which is a mistake because we should be celebrating England and particularly in the area of football.

"What brings England together? Well the single most important thing is football and England has the best football team in the British Isles. If England as a football team does well then England is a united country. I think football plays a big part in England and should therefore play a big part in St. George's Day."

With Dyke's words in mind, here's a best XI of famous Georges to have played for and in England, dating back to the 19th Century.

OK, so we struggled a bit, but stand by our decision to include John Terry and Steven Gerrard given their middle names are George and their contribution to English football has been matched by few. If you think we've missed anyone out, leave your suggestion in the comment box below.

Additional words in gallery by PA.

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