Tottenham Best All-Time XI
Larry Henry Jr.
4 Yrs Ago
Tottenham’s chase for trophies in recent years has led to several close calls, second-place finishes, and finals appearances. But as frustrating as the lack of trophies in recent years might be for Spurs fans, it can’t take away from the fact that Tottenham still boasts an impressive history of securing silverware dating back more than a century.
From the FA Cup title Tottenham won in 1901, to the English first division title captures in 1951 and 1961, the back-to-back FA Cups in 1961 and 1962, and the UEFA Cups lifted in 1972 and 1984, Spurs has pieced together an impressive resume over the years, even if the team’s more recent history has lacked the same level of silverware.
Tottenham boasted some special teams through the years, from the mid-60s and the most successful Spurs squad ever, to the entertaining team that emerged in the late 70s and early 80s. White Hart Lane enjoyed plenty of special moments, and served as a home to several unforgettable players.
Here is a closer look at the All-Time Best XI for Tottenham:
Pat Jennings
Tottenham has had its share of top first-choice goalkeepers, but Jennings is the clearcut choice for the All-Time XI. Jennings was one of the First Division's best at his position in the 1970's and 80's, winning four trophies during his time in London, including the FA Cup in 1967 and UEFA Cup in 1972.
Jennings owns the club record for most appearances by a goalkeeper with 472 and also earned 119 caps with Northern Ireland.
Gary Mabbutt
The former Tottenham captain was one of the best defenders in England in the 80s, helping lead Tottenham to the 1984 UEFA Cup, and leading Spurs to the 1991 FA Cup.
The former England defender enjoyed a successful career despite battling Diabetes. He played 16 seasons and more than 600 matches for Tottenham.
Mike England
Known for his durability which lasted over two decades, Mike England has an argument to go down as Tottenham's best ever central defender.
England totaled 666 appearances in his 22-year career, playing nearly half of them being for Spurs. A tall centerback (6-feet-3), England scored 36 goals in his 17-year First Division career. He helped Tottenham win the 1972 UEFA Cup and is a member of the club's Hall of Fame.
Maurice Norman
Another tall and confident defender, Maurice Norman paired with Mike England would give opposing attackers fits.
He was an integral part of Bill Nicholson's championship-winning Tottenham team of the early 1960's that lifted league titles in 1960 and 1961, the FA Cup in 1962, and the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup.
Norman made over 350 appearances with Spurs and also earned 23 caps with England.
Sol Campbell
Though he might be better remembered by some for his years as captain for Arsenal, Campbell began his pro career and spent his longest stint as a player with Tottenham, where he served as a top defender and captain.
In 315 first team appearances, Campbell scored 15 goals and won one League Cup in 1999. His consistency as a Premier League played continued with Arsenal as well as Portsmouth in the latter stages of his career. Campbell also enjoyed an illustrious international career, earning 73 caps for England.
Dave Mackay
A gritty captain and fierce competitor who lifted the FA Cup three times, the FA Charity Shield twice (once shared) and the First Division title once, Mackay was a hard-working midfielder who was a key part of Tottenham’s most successful era.
The Scottish midfielder made 268 appearances for Tottenham before moving on to Derby County. He eventually retired and began a successful managerial career.
Glenn Hoddle
A highly-skilled midfielder who is regarded as one of the most talented attacking players to ever play for Tottenham, Hoddle helped lead Spurs to a pair of FA Cup titles in 1981 and 1982, as well as a UEFA Cup in 1984.
Hoddle spent 12 seasons with Tottenham, making 377 appearances. A fixture on the England national team, Hoddle eventually transitioned into management, serving as manager for Chelsea, England and also Tottenham, among others.
Danny Blanchflower
Regarded in some circles as the best player in Tottenham history, Blanchflower was the captain and key figure on Tottenham’s double-winning side in 1960-1961.
A sharp-passing defensive midfielder, Blanchflower spent 12 seasons at Spurs before eventually going into management. He served as manager for Northern Ireland and Chelsea.
Jimmy Greaves
Tottenham's all-time leader in goals scored with 220 goals, Greaves actually began his career at Chelsea, but he wound up at Spurs after a regrettable move to AC Milan, which only lasted a year.
A World Cup winner with England in 1966, Greaves won five trophies with Tottenham, including a pair of FA Cups and a European Cup Winners Cup. He finished his Tottenham career having played 321 matches for Spurs, before finishing out his career with a two-year stint at West Ham United.
Bobby Smith
Playing nine seasons with Tottenham in the 1950's and 1960's, Bobby Smith will go down as one of the club's best goalscorers.
Ranking second in club history with 176 league goals, Smith helped the club to a double in 1960-61 while also having a hand in two FA Cup titles. Smith also played with Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, but never had as much success as he did with Spurs.
Harry Kane
A Tottenham academy product, Kane saw his Spurs career start slowly, with multiple loan stints in search of playing time. One he broke through, the goals poured in, and he has amassed 181 goals over his 11 seasons on the books with Spurs, though all but one of those goals came in the past seven years.
Winner of consecutive Premier League Golden Boot honors in 2016 and 2017, Kane added a World Cup Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup. He was in the midst of another standout season before an injury at the start of 2020 sidelined him. The 26-year-old is generating plenty of transfer interest heading into the summer, but if he chooses to stay at Tottenham he could challenge Jimmy Greaves’ club goal-scoring record.