When England legend Terry Butcher sat down to pick his dream team of players he shared the pitch with, he didn’t just select based on skill—he chose warriors, entertainers, and the best post-match drinking companions. The former Ipswich, Rangers, and Sunderland hardman unveiled his #One2Eleven on Jaya9, blending toughness, flair, and unforgettable personalities.
Goalkeeper: The Wall Behind Butcher
Peter Shilton edges out Chris Woods for the gloves, and for good reason. “He saved my bacon more times than I can count,” Butcher laughs. Shilton wasn’t just a shot-stopper; he was a vocal leader who kept defenders alert. His communication and reflexes made him indispensable—qualities that would cost a fortune in today’s market.
Defensive Rocks: Pace, Power, and a Touch of Madness
Right-Back: The Overlapping Maestro
George Burley wasn’t just a full-back; he was an attacking force. Butcher recalls his relentless work ethic: “He’d stay after training every day to practice one-on-ones.” Burley’s crossing and defensive grit made him a standout for Ipswich and Scotland.
Centre-Backs: The Perfect Partnership
- Des Walker: “People said I lacked pace,” Butcher grins. “I’d reply, ‘That’s why I’ve got Des.’” Walker’s recovery speed and composure bailed Butcher out repeatedly. Off the pitch, his drink of choice—Malibu and orange—was as unconventional as his defending was flawless.
- Kevin Beattie: A cult hero at Ipswich, Beattie combined thunderous tackles with lightning speed. Injuries robbed him of a longer career, but Butcher insists: “He was the loveliest madman I’ve ever known.”
Left-Back: Psycho’s Debut Warning
Stuart Pearce announced himself to Butcher in typical fashion during his England debut. “Oi, Butcher, any chance of marking someone?” Pearce barked. Butcher admired his fearlessness: “A rookie telling me what to do—that’s Psycho for you.”
Midfield: Skill, Steel, and Dutch Lager
Right Midfield: The Dutch Dribbler
Frans Thijssen brought flair to Ipswich’s right flank. “He’d dance past defenders and then introduce us to Dutch lager on tour,” Butcher recalls. A winger with end product and a taste for post-match celebrations.
Central Midfield: The Dynamic Duo
- Bryan Robson: “Captain of my team, on and off the pitch,” Butcher says. Robson could break up play, surge forward, and lead the drinking sessions. A complete midfielder.
- Johnny Wark: A defensive midfielder with a striker’s instinct. “He scored screamers—even headers from the edge of the box!”
Left Midfield: The Mullet Magician
Chris Waddle was unstoppable. “Right-footed, but he’d tear you apart either way,” Butcher says. Free-kicks, crosses, and relentless work rate made him a nightmare for defenders.
Attack: Genius and Chaos
Second Striker: Gazza’s Antics
Paul Gascoigne was a “once-in-a-lifetime talent,” Butcher declares. He shares a classic Gazza story: “He once hit a bugler at Wembley with a stray ball, then pretended to investigate the ‘mystery’ culprit.”
Paul Gascoigne: Football genius, prankster extraordinaire.
Striker: The Heavy Metal Target Man
Paul Mariner was Butcher’s kind of striker: brave, clever, and lethal. “He’d score from nowhere and hold up play like a dream.”
Conclusion: A Team Built on Legacy and Laughter
Terry Butcher’s Ultimate XI isn’t just about talent—it’s about characters who defined an era. From Shilton’s shouts to Gazza’s pranks, this team had it all. Jaya9 brings you this exclusive insight into a lineup that would dominate any pitch—and any pub afterward.
Who would make your all-time XI? Share your picks in the comments below!
