10 Best English Midfielders in the World Right Now [Ranked]

England has long been known for producing exceptional midfield talent, from rugged defensive midfielders to visionary playmakers and tireless box-to-box engines who step up with crucial goals. These are the players who control the tempo, transition from defense to attack, and simply never stop running.

The current golden generation of the Three Lions is stacked with midfield quality, with new, young stars constantly emerging to keep the talent pipeline flowing. One thing is clear: Lee Carsley, along with any future England manager, has an enviable pool of midfield talent to choose from.

After analyzing the best midfielders in the Premier League and English talents excelling across Europe, the top English midfielders in the world right now have been ranked.

Ranking Factors

• Current form
• Importance for club and country
• Longevity and consistency

10. Curtis Jones

Liverpool

In a squad full of superstars, Curtis Jones can sometimes fly under the radar at Liverpool, but the local talent is a highly skilled midfielder who brings grit and determination to the side. Jones combines defensive bite with the ability to carry the ball forward with elegance and creativity, making him a key asset in creating opportunities for his teammates.

As a deep-lying playmaker, Jones is highly intelligent, capable of controlling the tempo from midfield. His hard work often goes unnoticed, as he does the dirty work that allows players like Mo Salah, Diogo Jota, and Alexis Mac Allister the freedom to thrive in attacking positions for Liverpool.

9. Adam Wharton

Crystal Palace

When Crystal Palace signed Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers in January, few expected him to transition to the Premier League with such ease. However, the holding midfielder quickly adapted to his new team and environment, impressing so much that he earned a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024—a well-deserved achievement.

While Wharton's primary role is to disrupt opposition attacks and help his team regain possession, he offers much more. His exceptional vision and ability to break the lines with incisive passing make him a standout player, elevating Palace's midfield with his creativity and tactical awareness.

8. Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest

When Nottingham Forest splashed out £40 million for Morgan Gibbs-White, many questioned the price tag. However, the attacking midfielder has more than justified the investment, playing a pivotal role in keeping the club in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

Gibbs-White is a dynamic and physical player, known for his ability to burst into the box and finish off moves, but he's equally skilled at initiating them. He has evolved into a true talisman and leader for Forest, and with his talent and influence, it wouldn’t be surprising if he one day makes the leap to an even bigger stage.

7. Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United

What a year 2023/24 turned out to be for Kobbie Mainoo. Emerging as one of Manchester United's brightest academy prospects in recent years, he not only broke into the first team but also earned a spot in the England squad, featuring regularly as the Three Lions reached the Euro 2024 final.

At just 19 years old, Mainoo plays with a maturity and composure that belies his age, as if he’s been competing at the highest level for much longer. His agility, sharp footwork, and intelligent passing have quickly made him a key part of United’s system, signaling a bright future for both club and country.

6. Angel Gomes

Lille

Angel Gomes is a name that’s only recently started gaining recognition among football fans, thanks to his call-up to the England squad under caretaker manager Lee Carsley. However, his debut for the Three Lions should have been enough to make everyone sit up and take notice of his talent.

After coming through the Manchester United academy, Gomes has built a successful career in France with Lille, where he’s established himself as one of the most proficient holding midfielders in Ligue 1 and across Europe. His exceptional game-reading ability, strong tackling, and relentless work rate have made him one of the most sought-after number sixes in football today.

5. Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace

Eberechi Eze is the second Crystal Palace player to make our list, and it’s easy to see why. Eze’s versatility allows him to excel both on the wings and through the middle, making him a constant threat wherever he picks up the ball. With sharp crossing, precise passing, and a knack for finding the back of the net, he’s become a key player for the Eagles, consistently racking up goals and assists.

His prowess in dead-ball situations only enhances his reputation as one of the most creative English midfielders at the moment. It’s no surprise that top clubs like Spurs have been monitoring him closely for months.

• Manchester United Suffer Injury Setback as Mainoo Ruled Out for 'Few Weeks'
• Tottenham Justify Quick Return After Man Utd Victory Amid Fan Backlash Over James Maddison Video

4. James Maddison

Tottenham Hotspur

Had it not been for an injury that disrupted his momentum with Spurs last season, James Maddison would almost certainly have finished as one of the Premier League's top contributors and likely secured a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad. Now fully fit and back in form for the Lilywhites, he’s ready to make his mark again.

At his best, few midfielders can control a game like Maddison. Agile, intelligent, and tricky, with a superb passing range, the Tottenham playmaker thrives in the number ten role. If he can stay healthy, he’s primed for a standout season.

3. Conor Gallagher

Atletico Madrid

Chelsea's decision to sell Conor Gallagher this summer remains one of the most puzzling moves of the transfer window, especially given how they handled the academy graduate. However, Gallagher has adapted quickly to life in Spain, and Atletico Madrid fans have already embraced his high-energy, hard-working performances in midfield.

He’s the type of industrious player who excels at the basics, consistently giving 100% for his team. A tough tackler, strong athlete, and precise passer, Gallagher embodies everything you’d want in a midfielder.

2. Declan Rice

Arsenal

Declan Rice was always an exceptional player during his time at West Ham, but since joining Arsenal, he has elevated his game to new heights, now being regarded as an elite defensive midfielder with a Ballon d'Or nomination. His relentless work rate allows him to support his team from the opening whistle to the final minute, and he excels at controlling the tempo of the game, making key passes, and initiating attacks.

Without a doubt, Rice is now a first-choice player for both club and country, and his leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset. There’s no question that both Arsenal and England feel his absence keenly when he’s not on the pitch.

1. Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham is undeniably a superstar. His rapid ascent is nothing short of a fairytale, beginning as a prodigious talent at Birmingham City before taking a bold step to Germany with Dortmund, and now, becoming the latest in a long line of legendary figures at Real Madrid. In his debut season with Los Blancos, Bellingham not only helped secure the La Liga title and the Champions League but also played a crucial role in their success, amassing 36 goal contributions along the way.

For the England national team, Bellingham's impact is just as profound. He possesses a remarkable knack for making game-changing plays, evidenced by his stunning overhead kick at Euro 2024. It's clear that he has many more magical moments in store for the future.