England players with the most European Championship appearances
England and the European Championship don't really go hand in hand.
While there was the run to the final in 2020 (2021) as football fever swept the nation, there have also been four group stage exits and that defeat to Iceland. They're yet to win the tournament, too, with their only major honour to date being the 1966 World Cup - not that it gets brought up too often.
Here are the players who have represented England the most at European Championships.
England players with the most European Championship appearances
10. Ashley Cole
European Championship matches: 8
European Championship participations: 2004, 2012
Total England caps: 107
Widely regarded as England's best left-back ever, Ashley Cole made the position his own during his international career and was always consistent. His brilliant display against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in 2004 was timeless.
9. Sol Campbell
European Championship matches: 8
European Championship participations: 1996, 2000, 2004
Total England caps: 73
The retirements of a few iconic England centre backs gave Sol Campbell more opportunities during the early 2000s. Most Three Lions supporters are still sore about his goal against Portugal in 2004 which was disallowed.
8. Kyle Walker
European Championship matches: 9
European Championship participations: 2016, 2020
Total England caps: 68
Kyle Walker's first taste of Euros action came in 2016, a rather horrendous outing from England. However, he's become a key fixture in the side due to his versatility and was part of the side that reached the 2020 final.
7. Alan Shearer
European Championship matches: 1992, 1996, 2000
European Championship participations:
Total England caps: 63
Alan Shearer called time on his England career after Euro 2000 but got the whole country bouncing four years earlier in the 1996 edition. His goals seemed to have the Three Lions on the way to glory, but they were knocked out on penalties in the semi finals by Germany. Obviously.
6. Steven Gerrard
European Championship matches: 9
European Championship participations: 2000, 2004, 2012
Total England caps: 114
Steven Gerrard never got further than a Euros quarter final with England and was also part of the squad that failed to reach the 2008 edition under Steve McClaren. However, he did score at Euro 2004 and set up Andy Carroll to net against Sweden in 2012 with a wicked cross, so there's that.
5. Tony Adams
European Championship matches: 9
European Championship participations: 1988, 1996, 2000
Total England caps: 66
He may be providing excellent meme and viral content these days, but Tony Adams is an Arsenal legend and one of England's best ever defenders. He captained the side at Euro 96 and the run to the semi finals, but was also there when they crumbled in 2000.
4. Raheem Sterling
European Championship matches: 10
European Championship participations: 2016, 2020
Total England caps: 77
Part of the aberration of 2016 but a leading light at Euro 2020, Raheem Sterling's importance to England has never been greater. Now into his peak years, the forward will no doubt add to his European Championship adventures in the future.
3. Wayne Rooney
European Championship matches: 10
European Championship participations: 2004, 2012, 2016
Total England caps: 120
Wayne Rooney's showing at Euro 2004 is up there with the all time great tournament displays. It's just a shame we didn't see anything similar in 2008 - when England failed to qualify with Rooney at his very best - or 2012 or 2016.
2. Gary Neville
European Championship matches: 11
European Championship participations: 1996, 2000, 2004
Total England caps: 85
Gary Neville had the right back spot on lockdown during his international career and was trusted there in three European Championships. Good, hardworking and dependable. That's Gary.
1. Harry Kane
European Championship matches: 11
European Championship participations: 2016, 2020
Total England caps: 73
Harry Kane seems to be topping England lists with regularity these days. And that's because he's pretty good at football. Goals, appearances, you name it - the captain's go 'em.