In November 2019, and to coincide with the Three Lions’ 1,000th game, the England Men’s national team introduced legacy numbers; a unique and chronological list dating back to 1872.
Ahead of UEFA EURO 2020, these numbers were symbolised by a red legacy cap that has been presented to all debutants ever since.
While occasional legacy cap presentations to former players have been held – including a EURO 96 reunion at Wembley in March 2024 – the intention is to formalise a rollout to willing and appropriate recipients.
The FA is now looking to make contact with former players, and the close relatives of those no longer with us, to help ensure each special velvet cap finds a rightful home.
This mirrors a similar approach to the England women’s squad, who launched a legacy number programme around their 50th anniversary in November 2022, with the vast majority of the 233 players to have represented the Lionesses now in receipt of their cap.
To date, there have been 1,290 senior men’s players over the last 153 years, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis the most recent debutant in November 2024. The first goalkeeper, Robert Barker, lays claim to number one, 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore was 804, record appearance maker Peter Shilton is 867, while the nation’s top scorer Harry Kane is 1207.
The legacy programme will be supported by the National Football Museum, with Toye, Kenning & Spencer continuing to produce all commemorative caps for The FA.
11 men have been capped by England whilst representing Fulham, as listed below with their legacy numbers.
#436. Frank Osborne (2 caps)
#544. Len Oliver (1 cap)
#545. Albert Barrett (1 cap)
#581. John Arnold (1 cap)
#704. Jim Taylor (2 caps)
#732. Bedford Jezzard (2 caps)
#739. Johnny Haynes (56 caps)
#766. Jim Langley (3 caps)
#825. George Cohen (37 caps)
#1137. Zat Knight (2 caps)
#1166. Bobby Zamora (2 caps)
