In this timely and comprehensive tribute to England's football legends, BBC Sport journalist Chris Bevan delivers a masterful exploration of the beautiful game's most influential figures. Released in October 2025, "Immortals of English Football" arrives at a fascinating moment in English football history, as modern heroes like Harry Kane continue to break records once thought untouchable.
Bevan, known for his insightful coverage of football, tennis, and cycling for the BBC Sport website, brings his considerable expertise to this ambitious project. His approach is refreshingly straightforward: select an all-time XI and dive deep into their stories. What sets this book apart is its perfect balance between celebrating the past and acknowledging the present.
The selection spans a century of English football, featuring an impressive roster that includes the incomparable Bobby Charlton (who held England's scoring record until it was surpassed by Wayne Rooney and later Harry Kane), the legendary Bobby Moore, and the ever-reliable Gordon Banks. David Beckham, with his 115 international caps, ranks among England's most capped players, followed by the mercurial Paul Gascoigne and the current England captain, Harry Kane.
Rather than simply rattling off statistics and achievements, Bevan excels at uncovering the human stories behind these sporting icons. Each profile reads like a carefully crafted narrative, exploring not just the triumphs but also the struggles and setbacks that shaped these players' careers. This approach transforms what could have been a mere compilation of facts into a compelling examination of what makes a football legend.
The book's structure, organising players by position to create an all-time dream team, offers an engaging framework for these individual stories while sparking the kind of debates football fans live for. Who really deserves to be considered among the "Immortals"? The selections will undoubtedly fuel passionate discussions in pubs and living rooms across England.
At £22.00, this hardcover edition represents excellent value for any serious football enthusiast. The timing of its release, coming at a moment when English football continues to evolve and new legends are being made, makes it particularly relevant. It serves both as a historical document and a contemporary analysis of what constitutes greatness in the sport.
While the book excels in many areas, its greatest strength lies in Bevan's ability to contextualise these players' achievements within their respective eras. The author understands that comparing players across different generations is a complex task, and he handles this challenge with nuance and insight.
"Immortals of English Football" is more than just another sports book; it's a vital addition to any football library. It succeeds in being both a celebration of English football's rich history and a thoughtful analysis of what makes certain players truly immortal in the beautiful game. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to football history, this book offers a compelling journey through the lives and careers of England's greatest footballing heroes.
Perfect for: football historians, passionate England supporters, and anyone interested in the human stories behind sporting greatness.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 [Delivered to You Last Week, October 2025] *
* Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.
Publisher: Vist Rockpool Publishing
Published: October 9, 2025
Price: £22.00
Hardcover: 192 pages
ISBN-13: 9781922662170
Dimensions: 255 x 180 (mm)