I suppose that it's down to how you interpret the criteria.
In terms of who's more famous and instantly recognisable, Morrissey is probably out of place in the top ten, never mind the top three. In terms, though, of who best personifies the British mentality, then Morrissey with his arch put-downs and his attitude that is at the same time self-deprecating and self-aggrandising, is perhaps the most British person in the world.
The thing with Bowie is that he's always been iconic, but is more representative of someone from Mars than Britain. Michael Caine, on the other hand was certainly a most iconic Briton until the mid-eighties, but what's he done for us lately? Play butlers to rich Americans.
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In terms of who's more famous and instantly recognisable, Morrissey is probably out of place in the top ten, never mind the top three. In terms, though, of who best personifies the British mentality, then Morrissey with his arch put-downs and his attitude that is at the same time self-deprecating and self-aggrandising, is perhaps the most British person in the world.
The thing with Bowie is that he's always been iconic, but is more representative of someone from Mars than Britain. Michael Caine, on the other hand was certainly a most iconic Briton until the mid-eighties, but what's he done for us lately? Play butlers to rich Americans.