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

England fans have been fortunate to witness some of the greatest strikers in football history don the Three Lions shirt. From 2001 Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen to five-time Premier League champion Wayne Rooney and the all-time top scorer in English top-flight football, Alan Shearer, these legends have set the bar high for future generations.

In the modern era, England continues to produce a wealth of top-tier strikers, many of whom are on their way to achieving similar greatness. It's safe to say that England boasts one of the best pools of number nines in world football today, and their contributions have been pivotal in the national team's recent successes. Harry Kane has led the Three Lions to two major finals, with Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, and Callum Wilson playing vital roles in supporting him.

Here, we take a look at the top 10 English strikers in world football right now, ranking them based on their playing style, goalscoring records, and current form in front of goal.

10. Callum Wilson

Club: Newcastle

Callum Wilson would likely rank higher on this list if not for a back injury that has kept him sidelined since July. He has yet to make an appearance this season, but the Newcastle United striker has been a consistent goalscorer in the Premier League, enjoying a solid 2023-24 campaign with 10 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions. Although he has featured just once this season, manager Eddie Howe can still rely on the experienced forward, whether to partner with Alexander Isak or provide backup to the dynamic Swede.

The former Bournemouth striker has been a regular presence in England squads since his debut in November 2018, scoring two goals in nine caps, and was also called up for the 2022 World Cup.

9. Tammy Abraham

Club: AC Milan

Tammy Abraham joined AC Milan from AS Roma this summer and has been thriving in Serie A after leaving English football three years ago. Known for his ability to bring teammates into play and his keen eye for goal, Abraham will be hoping that a strong run with the Rossoneri can reignite his international career.

The former Chelsea striker has scored three goals in 11 caps for England, and many expected him to become a national team regular before a cruciate ligament injury derailed his momentum in 2023. Now under the guidance of Milan's new manager Paulo Fonseca—who previously got the best out of Jonathan David at Lille—Abraham will aim to replicate that success and earn a recall to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

8. Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Club: Everton

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s potential has often been curtailed by injuries, but when fit, the Everton striker is a formidable presence. The energetic Sheffield-born forward is central to the Toffees’ attack, leading the line with power and determination. He started this season with two goals in his first six games, though he hasn’t found the net since.

Calvert-Lewin last featured for England at Euro 2020 in July 2021, where he added to his record of four goals in 11 caps. If he can maintain fitness, he could re-enter the Three Lions fold as an alternative to Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins. However, his injury history makes that a significant challenge.

7. Liam Delap

Club: Ipswich Town

It's a rare feat for a player representing a newly promoted team in their debut Premier League season to garner calls for an England senior team spot. Charlie Austin’s standout performances for QPR are one of the few recent examples. Now, Liam Delap finds himself in a similar spotlight.

The former Manchester City prospect has been exceptional for Kieran McKenna's Ipswich Town, scoring six goals in 12 Premier League appearances. If he maintains this form, the Tractor Boys might just defy the odds and secure survival, while Delap could earn a promotion from the Under-21s to the senior England squad—potentially positioning himself as the long-term heir to the number nine role.

6. Jamie Vardy

Club: Leicester City

Jamie Vardy may have retired from international football in 2018, but he continues to be one of English football's most clinical finishers. The Leicester City captain played a pivotal role in the Foxes' promotion back to the Premier League last season, scoring 18 goals in 35 Championship appearances. His loyalty and enduring excellence have solidified his status as a club legend, and he remains their go-to talisman.

This season, Vardy’s experience and composure will be vital if Leicester finds themselves battling relegation. While his blistering pace and relentless energy are no longer his defining traits, the 2015 Premier League champion still delivers calm finishes in crucial moments. Additionally, his knack for unsettling opponents adds an invaluable edge to the Foxes’ efforts.

5. Danny Welbeck

Club: Brighton

Danny Welbeck may have last featured for England six years ago, but his recent form at Brighton could reignite talk of a national team recall. The experienced striker has been thriving under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, rolling back the years with a series of impressive performances. Welbeck reached a milestone earlier this season by scoring the 100th goal of his career against former club Manchester United, outshining their current attacking options in the process.

A standout performer in Brighton’s campaign, Welbeck has dazzled fans with his unpredictability and ability to produce magical moments, including a sublime free-kick in the Seagulls' 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in September. Known for his relentless pressing, dependable hold-up play, and clinical finishing, the veteran forward remains one of the Premier League’s toughest strikers to handle.

4. Ivan Toney

Club: Al-Ahli

Ivan Toney's absence was keenly felt by Brentford during the first half of the 2023-24 season, as he served a suspension for breaching betting rules. The striker had been a standout performer in the prior campaign, scoring 20 goals in 33 league matches—trailing only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the Premier League scoring charts. Renowned for his strength, agility, pace, and sharp positional awareness, Toney has consistently troubled defenders throughout his career.

In the summer, the former Newcastle forward departed English football to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. He's since proven to be an excellent acquisition for the Saudi outfit, maintaining a strong scoring record with roughly one goal every two games. However, his lucrative move has likely ended his prospects of an England return. Toney made a notable contribution to the national team at Euro 2024, heading the ball across goal for Kane to score the decisive winner in extra time against Slovakia in the last 16.

3. Dominic Solanke

Club: Tottenham

Ivan Toney's absence was keenly felt by Brentford during the first half of the 2023-24 season, as he served a suspension for breaching betting rules. The striker had been a standout performer in the prior campaign, scoring 20 goals in 33 league matches—trailing only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the Premier League scoring charts. Renowned for his strength, agility, pace, and sharp positional awareness, Toney has consistently troubled defenders throughout his career.

In the summer, the former Newcastle forward departed English football to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. He's since proven to be an excellent acquisition for the Saudi outfit, maintaining a strong scoring record with roughly one goal every two games. However, his lucrative move has likely ended his prospects of an England return. Toney made a notable contribution to the national team at Euro 2024, heading the ball across goal for Kane to score the decisive winner in extra time against Slovakia in the last 16.

2. Ollie Watkins

Club: Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins has established himself as one of the Premier League's most lethal forwards, thriving under Unai Emery's guidance at Aston Villa. Last season, he spearheaded the Villains' charge to UEFA Champions League qualification with an impressive 19 goals in 37 league appearances, and he has carried that prolific form into the current campaign. Since joining from Brentford four years ago, Watkins has been a fan favorite at Villa Park and is widely regarded as one of the best English strikers in the league.

The dynamic and energetic forward has also shone on the international stage, delivering standout performances for England. A notable highlight was his crucial winner in a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Watkins continues to be a nightmare for defenders, as evidenced by his influential role in Villa's strong Champions League run. He dominated Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano in a 1-0 triumph, showcasing his ability to disrupt even the best defenses. His skill set offers an exciting alternative to the more traditional approach of England’s main striker, Harry Kane.

1. Harry Kane

Club: Bayern Munich

Who else but Harry Kane? The England captain is arguably the best number nine in world football, currently enjoying a sensational start at Bayern Munich. Last season, he was in blistering form, scoring 44 goals in 45 appearances and clinching the Bundesliga Golden Boot with an astonishing 36 strikes in 32 league games. However, it's not just his prolific scoring that sets him apart—his ability to drop deep and link play makes him a complete forward and a nightmare for defenders.

Kane's evolution into a free-roaming centre-forward began under Jose Mourinho at Tottenham. The striker has credited the Portuguese coach for fostering an environment that allowed him and his teammates to flourish, a style that aligned with Kane’s natural inclination to be more than just a traditional striker. While some critics have questioned his international displays in recent months, there’s no denying the impact he continues to make at Bayern, cementing his status as one of the game's elite players.