10 Greatest Footballers Who Were Never Capped For England

3. Billy Bonds

Billy Bonds was a West Ham United legend, spending a total of 27 years there as a player and manager. A tough, uncompromising defender befitting of the era when he played (the 1960's through to the late 80's), Bond's versatility meant that he featured at centre back as well as right back and central midfield for the Hammers. He was more than just a tough tackler though, and his play was marked by surging forward runs and intelligent use of the ball. Versatility like Bonds' is usually prized by international mangers, especially at tournaments - which explains why Phil Neville was capped over 50 times for England - but Bonds' only caps were at Under-23 level. He did, however, come closer than most on this list to making a bow for the full England side. He sat on the bench for a World Cup qualifier against Italy in 1977 (but wasn't subbed on) and broke his ribs in the final game of the 1980/81 season, ruling him out of a friendly against Brazil in which he was expected to make his long-awaited England bow.