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MLS: Top 5 English players in MLS history

By Matt Coles

CARSON, CA - JULY 04: The David Beckham statue in the Galaxys Legends Plaza located outside the stadiums main entrance during the MLS match between Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 4, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - JULY 04: The David Beckham statue in the Galaxys Legends Plaza located outside the stadiums main entrance during the MLS match between Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 4, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: Wayne Rooney (9) of DC United reacts before the MLS Cup Playoffs match between Toronto FC and DC United on October 19, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: Wayne Rooney (9) of DC United reacts before the MLS Cup Playoffs match between Toronto FC and DC United on October 19, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Wayne Rooney

Another man who had a successful and lengthy career in England before coming Stateside was Wayne Rooney, who slots in at number four on our list of best Englishman to ever make their MLS bow.

The Manchester United and England record goalscorer made an instant impact with D.C. United and became almost instantly loved by the fans of the side from the capital. In two full seasons with the club, he scored 23 goals and assisted 15 others in just 48 games, including helping the club into the postseason in 2018 and 2019.

He will always be remembered by D.C. fans for his tireless effort, as demonstrated by that goal he set up after tracking back more than 50 yards to make a tackle, lunging in to win the ball, and then teeing up Luciano Acosta with a raking pass for a last-minute game-winner against Orlando City.

After two seasons with D.C. United, Rooney headed back to England, signing for Derby County, where has become a player-coach for the Championship side.

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