We’re feeling a pretty strong connection to Thomas Tuchel’s England side in this year’s World Cup, not least because they’re doing so well. But now there’s evidence to back up our allegiances, as new data from AskGamblers has revealed the locations responsible for producing the most English World Cup talent, and Manchester is right up there.
137 different English locations have produced players who have appeared in the World Cup, with the number of players to represent England at a World Cup since 1950 increasing to 349 at the tournament this summer.
Manchester named one of the top locations for producing World Cup talent
The research found that Manchester was the second highest-producing location, with one in every 25 World Cup players for England since 1950 born in the city. Manchester-born Marcus Rashford is currently representing England at the tournament as part of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad; while other players include Danny Welbeck, Nicky Butt, and Wes Brown.
One of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning heroes was also born in Manchester, with Nobby Styles being a part of Alf Ramsey’s famous squad.
Twice as many Man Utd players (46) have represented England at the tournament, compared to local rivals Manchester City (23), and Bury, Salford, Stockport and Trafford have also been represented at the World Cup.
England World Cup stars from Manchester and surrounding areas:
- Manchester: Daniel Welbeck, Marcus Rashford, Joe Corrigan, Keith Newton, Nico O’Reilly, Nicky Butt, Nobby Stiles, Roger Byrne, Ron Staniforth, and Wes Brown
- Bury: Gary Neville, Kieran Trippier
- Salford: Paul Scholes
- Stockport: Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo
- Trafford: Phil Jagielka
Only one North West location beat Manchester
The research found that the two biggest cities in the North West of England are responsible for one in every twelve stars (8.3%), representing the Three Lions, with only Liverpool producing more players than Manchester.
England World Cup stars from Liverpool and surrounding areas:
- Liverpool: Alvin Martin, Brian Labone, Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan, Laurie Hughes, Anthony Gordon, Peter Withe, Robbie Fowler, Ross Barkley, Steve Coppell, Terry McDermott, Tommy Wright, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wayne Rooney
- Sefton: Jamie Carragher
- Knowsley: Leighton Baines, Steven Gerrard
English locations producing the most World Cup Talent
- Liverpool: 17 players
- Manchester: 12 players
- County Durham: 9 players
- Sheffield: 9 players
- Newham: 8 players
- Knowsley: 7 players
Top men’s clubs
- Manchester Utd: 46 players
- Tottenham: 39 players
- Liverpool: 36 players
- Arsenal: 27 players
- Chelsea: 26 players
- Manchester City: 23 players
You can read the full study here.
