GO Smith - 20 Caps (11 Goals)

• Full Name: Gilbert Oswald Smith
• Born: 25th November 1872, Croydon, Surrey
• Died: 6th December 1943, Lymington, Hampshire aged 71
• England Career: 1893 - 1901
• Positions whilst with England: Inside Right & Centre Forward
• Clubs (and caps) whilst with England: Corinthians (20)
• FA Legacy Number: 204
• Like his contemporary CB Fry, known usually just by his initials GO or sometimes Joe - and like Fry considered a sporting polymath - others, however, go further, and consider him to be the world's best centre forward of the 19th Century. Studied at Charterhouse School before going down to Oxford University in 1892 where he captained the University Blues. After graduation turned out for the Old Carthusians and then the Corinthians for over ten years until 1903 - being joint secretary of the latter for four years too. Capped by England at 20 years of age, captain at 23 and with Steve Bloomer, another superstar of the late Victorian era - England had a forminable strike force. Slight of build, asthmatic, and a reluctance to head the ball, he made up for his deficiencies with positioning, footwork and a deadly accurate shot - scoring at almost a goal a game throughout his career. He was, probably, the greatest amateur player the world has ever seen. He also played first-class cricket for Surrey.