The 20 Best English Footballers in the World Right Now (Ranked)

September 9, 2025 Kris Isaksen

As England rebuilds after another painful near miss at Euro 2024, the spotlight is firmly on the players who will carry the nation’s hopes into the 2026 World Cup. With a new manager in Thomas Tuchel and a wealth of emerging and established stars, the Three Lions boast one of the most talented squads in world football. Here's a countdown of the top 20 English footballers right now—ranked by form, influence, and impact for club and country.

20. Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest

Anderson may not be a household name yet, but his breakout at Forest and superb England debut against Andorra turned heads. His maturity and composure in midfield have put him firmly in the mix for future call-ups, especially as a potential partner to Declan Rice.

19. Jarrod Bowen – West Ham United

Always underrated, Bowen continues to be a standout performer for West Ham with consistent goal contributions and tireless wing play. He’s earned 16 England caps so far and remains a solid attacking option on the flank.

18. Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal

One of Arsenal’s brightest young prospects, Lewis-Skelly has made a seamless transition to senior football. Calm and intelligent beyond his years, he's expected to be a future mainstay in England’s midfield.

17. John Stones – Manchester City

When fit, Stones remains a class act, capable of controlling the tempo from the back or stepping into midfield. Injuries have limited his appearances, but his importance to both City and England is unquestionable.

16. Anthony Gordon – Newcastle United

Gordon was barely used at Euro 2024, but his club form has made it hard to ignore him. His direct style and link-up with Isak helped Newcastle secure European football and make him a real threat for a starting spot with England.

15. Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa

Rogers has risen quickly at Villa, becoming a creative force and earning his first England call-up. His versatility and attacking instincts could soon see him challenge for a bigger role under Tuchel.

14. Noni Madueke – Arsenal

Despite controversy around his £52 million move, Madueke is proving his worth with explosive pace and flair. A hat-trick against Wolves showed his potential, though consistency will be key as he matures.

13. Jordan Pickford – Everton

Long considered England’s No. 1, Pickford silenced critics with an outstanding Premier League season. With strong shot-stopping, leadership, and improved club form, he’s now one of the country’s most dependable veterans.

12. Morgan Gibbs-White – Nottingham Forest

Gibbs-White was instrumental in Forest’s push for Europe, racking up 17 goal contributions. Competition is fierce in his position, but his creativity and work rate keep him in the conversation for international inclusion.

11. Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa

Watkins has quietly become one of the most complete strikers in England, delivering big numbers for Villa and scoring a famous winner in the Euro 2024 semi-final. While Kane is still ahead, Watkins remains a very close second.

10. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid

After shining for Liverpool in 2023/24, Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid has been rocky, but his technical ability remains world-class. Tuchel may prefer other options, but his vision and delivery are still unmatched when in form.

9. Phil Foden – Manchester City

Foden’s Premier League Player of the Season award underlined his influence at City. While injury has affected his recent output, his talent is undeniable and he remains a critical creative force for club and country.

8. Reece James – Chelsea

Fitness is James’s only real obstacle, as he’s arguably England’s most complete right-back when available. Tuchel trusts him deeply, and he offers a balanced mix of defensive solidity and attacking support.

7. Marc Guehi – Crystal Palace

Guehi has grown into one of the league’s most consistent centre-backs and was a standout performer at the Euros. His leadership and calm presence at the back make him a key figure moving forward.

6. Eberechi Eze – Arsenal

Eze — Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

Now at Arsenal after years of dazzling at Palace, Eze brings flair and unpredictability to England’s midfield. His technical skill makes him an exciting Plan B when Foden or Saka are off their game.

5. Cole Palmer – Chelsea

Palmer’s decision to leave City has paid off in style—he’s now Chelsea’s go-to player and a rising star for England. After starring at the Club World Cup and scoring in the Euro 2024 final, he’s only getting started.

4. Declan Rice – Arsenal

Rice continues to elevate his game, anchoring both Arsenal’s midfield and England’s. A natural leader, he’s vital in breaking up play and transitioning the ball, and his importance only grows as others rotate around him.

3. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

With 20 goals and 14 assists in 2023/24 and consistent excellence even through injury, Saka is an elite winger by any measure. His intelligence, pace, and reliability make him one of England’s most trusted stars.

2. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

Bellingham has taken La Liga and the Champions League by storm with Real Madrid, and his blend of power, grace, and goal-scoring makes him one of world football’s most complete midfielders. He’s already a big-game player—and still just 22.

1. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

England’s captain and most prolific goalscorer, Kane remains top of the pile with 41 goals and 14 assists last season. Whether scoring, linking play, or leading by example, he’s still the centrepiece of England’s hopes for glory.