Northumberland town a hotbed for England international footballers

Data released by ACME Whistles shows Ashington tops the list of towns around the UK with four players representing the three lions.

Despite being just 0.05% of England’s population, the town has produced four of England’s greatest footballers – Jackie Milburn (1950), Bobby Charlton (1958-70), Jimmy Adamson (1962) and Jack Charlton (1966-70).

Ben McFarlane, marketing director of ACME Whistles, said: “Maybe there’s something in the water, as Ashington is up there topping the list of towns producing our best players.

“Although they went on to play for Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle in their careers, before going onto international fame, their passion and talent for the game was nurtured at home in Northumberland.”

In total, the research conducted by the world’s leading whistle manufacturer, ACME Whistles, identified 173 different towns around the UK where England footballers were born, ten of which came from Northumberland, and 31 of which came from the Southeast region of England.

Ben McFarlane added: “Although the last squad including players born in Ashington was all the way back in 1970 there is a pedigree for other budding footballers to aspire to.

"With the new squad announced last week, and the eyes of the nation glued to action, we hope the next generation of players from Ashington and Northumberland will be inspired to follow in Jackie, Bobby, Jimmy and Jack’s footsteps.”

For more information on the England internationals stretching back to 1950, visit www.acmewhistles.co.uk/stories/the-places-that-produce-the-most-england-international-footballers