Steve Coppell

A disciplined and highly intelligent English right winger, Steve Coppell combined classic wide play with a rare level of tactical responsibility. He was not a dazzling dribbler in the pure showman sense, but he had pace, stamina, sharp delivery and the work ethic to stretch a flank for ninety minutes without turning the team shape into confetti. At Manchester United, he became a model of consistency, providing width, crosses and defensive support with remarkable professionalism. For England, he offered the same balance: direct enough to hurt full-backs, smart enough to serve the collective. Injuries cut him down far too early, which quietly robbed English football of a longer prime.