England's greatest football partnership of all time has been disclosed

12 June 2024 , 12:04

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The most iconic international football partnerships of all time are Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, Ronaldo and Rivaldo - and Pelé and Garrincha. (Image: SWNS)

A survey of 2,000 football enthusiasts revealed that 15% are fans of Dutch legends Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit, while one in 20 hold Italian icons Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro in high regard.

Yet, topping the list of English talent were Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, both members of England's esteemed 'Golden Generation'.

Key attributes for a successful duo, according to the poll, include having a solid understanding (65%) and complementing each other's skills (61%). Additionally, 36% of fans simply love to see a pair of players enjoying their game together, both on and off the pitch.

In anticipation of the Euros, a spokesperson for Domino's, which is launching The Perfect Match IPA beer in collaboration with BrewDog, commented: "As the top scorer when it comes to pizza, we wanted to create the perfect match for fans this football season."

"We know what a good partnership needs - Just as our research shows, a good understanding and complimenting each other well are key factors in making it work. Let's hope our home teams can do the same."

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The study also found that 10% favoured the Portuguese combo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. Meanwhile, 16% chose the Spanish midfield maestros Xavi and Andres Iniesta, who were pivotal to Spain's international triumphs from 2008-2012.

Seven in 10 respondents believe that any truly great team needs to contain at least one iconic partnership. (SWNS)

A whopping seven in 10 participants believe that any truly great team must have at least one legendary partnership. More than four in 10 (43%) also say that when their favourite footballing duo is playing, they'll happily ditch all other plans to tune in and watch.

Having somewhere comfy to sit (27%), being with friends and family (16%) and having a refreshing drink (12%) were the top factors in creating the perfect watching conditions.

And enjoying a pizza (35%) with the game was the top food option, ahead of burger and fries (31%) whilst a beer (44%) was the top beverage of choice.

TOP 20 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS OF ALL TIME:

1. Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry France.
2. Ronaldo and Rivaldo Brazil.
3. Pele and Garrincha Brazil.
4. Xavi and Andres Iniesta Spain.
5. Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit The Netherlands.
6. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard England.
7. Gary Lineker and Peter Beardsley England.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes - Portugal.
9. Diego Maradona and Jorge Valdano Argentina.
10. Patrick Kluivert and Dennis Bergkamp Netherlands.
11. Roberto Baggio and Gianfranco Zola Italy.
12. Peter Crouch & Jermaine Defoe England.
13. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice England.
14. Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe - France.
15. Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini Italy.
16. Kevin De Bruyne & Romelu Lukaku Belgium.
17. Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey Wales.
18. Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro Italy.
19. Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol - Spain.
20. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic Croatia.

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