The role of the England national football team manager is one of the most prestigious and challenging positions in the sport. Over the years, various figures have taken the helm, each with their unique impact and legacy. This blog explores every England manager, highlighting their tenures, styles, and contributions to the national team’s journey.

However, when it comes to results, nothing speaks louder than the win ratio. In this blog, we’ll rank England managers based on their win percentages, offering a glimpse into who has excelled on the international stage.

England Managers Ranked by Win Ratio

Manager	Tenure	Matches	Win Ratio (%)
🇬🇧 Sam Allardyce	2016	1	100.0
🇮🇪 Lee Carsley	2024	4	75.0
🇮🇹 Fabio Capello	2008 – 2012	42	66.7
🇬🇧 Gareth Southgate	2016 – 2024	102	62.7
🇬🇧 Alf Ramsey	1963 – 1974	113	61.1
🇬🇧 Glenn Hoddle	1996 – 1999	28	60.7
🇬🇧 Ron Greenwood	1977 – 1982	55	60.0
🇸🇪 Sven-Göran Eriksson	2001 – 2006	67	59.7
🇬🇧 Roy Hodgson	2012 – 2016	56	58.9
🇬🇧 Walter Winterbottom	1946 – 1962	139	56.1
🇬🇧 Steve McClaren	2006 – 2007	18	50.0
🇬🇧 Bobby Robson	1982 – 1990	95	49.5
🇬🇧 Don Revie	1974 – 1977	29	48.3
🇬🇧 Terry Venables	1994 – 1996	23	47.8
🇬🇧 Graham Taylor	1990 – 1993	38	47.4
🇬🇧 Joe Mercer	1974	7	42.9
🇬🇧 Kevin Keegan	1999 – 2000	18	38.9
🇬🇧 Howard Wilkinson	1999 & 2000	2	0.0
🇬🇧 Peter Taylor	2000	1	0.0
🇬🇧 Stuart Pearce	2012	1	0.0

1) Fabio Capello (2008–2012)

Former AC Milan, Roma and Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello was known for his tactical discipline and experience. He led England’s ‘Golden Generation’ to the 2010 World Cup but faced strong criticism for his decisions during the tournament. He managed 42 matches in total with an impressive win ratio of 66.7% which is the highest of any permanent Three Lions boss.

2) Gareth Southgate (2016–2024)

The former England U21 boss Gareth Southgate stepped up to become interim coach following the controversial departure of Sam Allardyce in 2016. He revitalised the national team, focusing on youth development and inclusivity. Under his leadership, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020 and 2024. With 102 matches and a win ratio of 62.7%, he is one of the most successful managers in recent history.

3) Sir Alf Ramsey (1963–1974)

A transformative figure, Ramsey led England to its first and only World Cup victory in 1966. His tactical acumen and emphasis on a disciplined playing style defined an era. He managed 113 games, with a win ratio of 61.1% but more importantly remains the only England manager to ever lift a trophy.

4) Glenn Hoddle (1996–1999)

As Hoddle did during his playing days, the former Spurs talisman brought a bit of flair to the England team, emphasizing on skill and creativity. He would guide England to the 1998 World Cup but his entertaining side got sent home by Argentina in the last 16 following a penalty shoot out loss. However, his tenure controversial ended following his comments on disabled people in 1999. In total, he managed 28 matches, achieving a win ratio of 60.7%.

5) Ron Greenwood (1977–1982)

Following a baron spell for England, Greenwood brought a fresh approach and led England to the European Championships in 1980 and the World Cup in 1982. Unfortunately, they didn’t progress out of the group stages but at least England we’re now back at the major tournaments. He managed 55 matches, achieving a win ratio of 60.0%. His tenure will be remembered for a strong emphasis on attacking football.

6) Sven-Göran Eriksson (2001–2006)

The first foreign manager of the England team, Eriksson brought a new perspective post the Kevin Keegan era and led the ‘Golden Generation’ England team to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and the quarter finals of Euro 2004. He managed the Three Lions for 67 matches, achieving an impressive win ratio of 59.7% including the memorable 5-1 victory against Germany in Munich.

7) Roy Hodgson (2012–2016)

Hodgson’s era was mixed, starting with a quarter final exit in Euro 2012 followed by a disappointing group stage exit at the World Cup in 2014. After a strong Euro 2016 qualifying campaign they disappointed again after an early exit from the tournament. He managed 56 matches with a win ratio of 58.9%, leaving a complex legacy.

8) Walter Winterbottom (1946–1962)

The first official England manager, Winterbottom, laid the foundation for the role. He managed the team for 139 matches and is known for introducing modern training methods. His tenure included the four World Cup finals, but they failed to go beyond the quarter finals. England’s longest serving manager had a win ratio on 56.1%.

9) Steve McClaren (2006–2007)

McClaren struggled to maintain the momentum built by Eriksson, failing to qualify for Euro 2008. His short time time as England boss was marked by criticism and disappointment earning him the nickname of ‘Wally with the Brolly’ following a tabloid headline following defeat against Croatia. He managed 18 matches in total with a win ratio of 50.0%.

10) Sir Bobby Robson (1982–1990)

Robson’s time as manager saw England reach the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup and go out courtesy of the ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’ goals from Argentina. After a disappointing Euro 88 campaign, the Three Lions bounced back and went one better as they reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup under ‘Gazzamania’. Known for his motivational skills, the popular Bobby Robson managed England on 95 occasions and had a win ratio of 49.5%. This could have been much higher if generational talent Bryan Robson had stayed fit.

11) Don Revie (1974–1977)

Revie took over form the World Cup winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey and focused on developing a cohesive team. His tenure was marred by controversies, including a failed qualification for Euro 1976 and the World Cup in 1978. He managed England in 29 matches with a win ratio of 48.3%.

12) Terry Venables (1994–1996)

Following the disappointing Graham Taylor era, El Tel rejuvenated the national team, leading England to the semi-finals of Euro 1996 where football almost came home after years of pain. His tactical approach and ability to connect with players earned him respect. Whilst he managed England on 23 occasions with a win ratio of 47.8%, his time as gaffer will be fondly remembered especially the Scotland and Netherlands matches at Euro 96 which captured the nation.

13) Graham Taylor (1990–1993)

Taylor faced immense pressure as England struggled during his tenure, including a disappointing 1994 World Cup qualification. He managed 38 matches with a win ratio of 47.4%, and his era is often remembered for the infamous “Do I not like that?” quote.

14) Kevin Keegan (1999–2000)

Known for his passionate approach, Keegan’s time was short-lived and tumultuous. His attacking style didn’t translate to success, and he resigned after a disappointing Euro 2000. He managed 18 matches with a win ratio of 38.9%.

The journey of England managers reflects the evolution of football and the challenges of leading a national team. Each manager has left their mark, contributing to the rich tapestry of England’s football history. As the national team continues to evolve, the legacies of these figures will always be remembered.

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