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

As one of international football’s traditional powerhouses, England has long sought another taste of glory since their iconic 1966 triumph, led by legends like Sir Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst.

Their Euro 2024 campaign ended in heartbreak, with Gareth Southgate unable to guide the Three Lions past Spain in the final. The disappointment was compounded by memories of their 2021 final defeat, making the loss even tougher for England fans and players alike.

Following the setback, Southgate stepped down as England manager, ushering in a new era. His successor, Thomas Tuchel, now has an incredibly talented squad at his disposal, giving him plenty of selection headaches.

With that in mind, Betimate presents the 20 best English players, ranked based on:

• Performances for the national team
• Current club form
• Trophies won at club level
• Their importance to their club’s success

1. Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

A prolific goalscorer for both club and country, few can rival Harry Kane at the top of the rankings. The England captain enjoyed a stunning 2023/24 season with Bayern Munich, netting 44 goals and providing 12 assists in just 45 appearances.

Blessed with exceptional versatility, Kane is far more than just a finisher—he links up seamlessly with wide players, drops deep to dictate play, and threads pinpoint passes through defensive lines.

Although the Bundesliga title slipped from his grasp, the former Tottenham Hotspur star has done everything in his power to make his mark in Germany. Widely regarded as one of the greatest British players to ply his trade abroad, Kane remains a vital figure for both Bayern Munich and the England national team.

2. Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

When Real Madrid splashed a hefty sum to secure Jude Bellingham’s services, envy rippled through the footballing world. Now, in 2024, the Englishman has not only justified the investment but has shattered expectations, cementing himself as one of the best players on the planet.

Rising through Birmingham City's youth ranks, his departure prompted the club to controversially retire the number 22 shirt—a decision initially mocked but now wholly vindicated. Bellingham delivered a staggering 23 goals and 12 assists in the 2023/24 season, numbers that would delight an elite striker. Yet, he achieved this while operating from midfield, balancing his attacking brilliance with tireless defensive contributions.

3. Cole Palmer

Chelsea

Without Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s 2023/24 season could have been significantly worse. The young winger took a gamble with a career-defining move away from Manchester City, and it’s safe to say it has paid off. Once a fringe player under Pep Guardiola, he has now become Chelsea’s main man in west London.

Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top wingers, the 22-year-old made his senior England debut in a 2-0 win over Malta in November 2023. His remarkable tally of 27 goals and 15 assists in all competitions made him an undeniable candidate for England’s Euro 2024 squad, where he scored in the final against Spain—though the Three Lions ultimately fell short. Now continuing to find the net with ease, Palmer looks set for even more game time under new England boss Thomas Tuchel.

4. Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

Despite Rio Ferdinand’s reluctance to label him "world-class," Bukayo Saka remains one of the Premier League’s most influential players. Even after a long-term injury, he still ranks second in the league’s assist charts and has been instrumental in Arsenal’s title challenges over the past two seasons. His importance extends beyond club level, as he has also become a key figure for England.

Hardworking and immensely talented, Saka has already earned 43 international caps, and with plenty of years ahead of him, he could go on to become one of England’s most-capped players. With 20 goals and 14 assists in the 2023/24 season—and an even stronger start to 2024/25—Saka fully deserves his ranking as England’s fourth-best player right now, even if injury has temporarily sidelined him.

5. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool

Despite missing part of the 2023/24 season through injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been outstanding for Liverpool, playing a key role in their title push. This season, he has showcased his ability to defend just as well as he attacks—something that will be invaluable for the Three Lions.

Widely regarded as the best right-back in the Premier League, Alexander-Arnold's versatility makes him an appealing option for England’s new manager. With the ability to excel in multiple positions, he is likely to be given a more prominent role than under his predecessor—especially after winning three Man of the Match awards under Lee Carsley before Thomas Tuchel’s appointment.

6. Declan Rice

Arsenal

A cut above the rest, Declan Rice was one of Gareth Southgate’s first names on the teamsheet at the 2024 Euros—and he delivered with strong performances throughout the tournament. Having scored crucial goals for Arsenal in the 2023/24 season, the midfielder has only gone from strength to strength since his high-profile move, silencing any doubts over his hefty price tag.

For England, Rice plays a role similar to the one he excels in at Arsenal—being the glue that holds the team together. An astute tackler with remarkable stamina, the former West Ham captain possesses all the qualities needed to remain a vital figure for the Three Lions for years to come.

7. Phil Foden

Manchester City

Phil Foden’s Premier League Player of the Season award perfectly summed up his brilliance for Pep Guardiola in 2023/24. It was the best campaign of his career so far, with the dynamic attacker racking up 27 goals and 12 assists, cementing his status as one of the league’s standout performers.

Already a six-time Premier League champion, Foden is edging toward club legend status at just 24 years old—an incredible achievement. However, injuries at the start of the 2024/25 season have hampered his impact for both club and country, and a dip in form for England has seen him slide down the rankings. That said, signs of a resurgence in recent weeks suggest he could be back to his best before long.

8. Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa

Hoping to establish himself as Harry Kane’s understudy at international level, Ollie Watkins has earned 18 England caps so far—a number that is set to rise as opportunities for a striker of his caliber continue to emerge.

Widely regarded as one of the best forwards in world football, Watkins has been rubbing shoulders with elite names like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. He delivered an outstanding 27 goals and 13 assists across all competitions last season and cemented his place in England’s history by netting a dramatic late winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final. While his goal-scoring form has dipped slightly this season, he remains Kane’s closest competitor for the starting striker role.

9. Anthony Gordon

Newcastle United

Throughout Euro 2024, many England fans were frustrated by Anthony Gordon’s lack of game time. The 23-year-old featured for just a single minute in the entire tournament, but his outstanding form in the 2024/25 season suggests he could play a much bigger role under Thomas Tuchel.

Unlike other options on the left flank who favor a playmaking, pass-heavy approach, Gordon brings a more direct attacking threat, constantly driving forward and looking to make things happen. With Newcastle just two points off the top four, the former Everton star could be the difference between securing European qualification or falling short.

10. John Stones

Manchester City

A key figure in one of the most dominant teams in club football, Manchester City often look disjointed when John Stones is absent. Versatile enough to slot into the back four or operate in midfield, the former Everton man has become one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted utility players.

Stones is England’s undisputed first-choice center-back and excels at dictating play, keeping possession flowing, and dominating duels—both in the air and on the ground. Composed in possession, few defenders in world football can match his calmness under pressure, while his exceptional passing range makes him an invaluable asset for both club and country.

11. Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace

Marc Guehi enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 season with Crystal Palace, playing a vital role in one of the club’s best-ever Premier League campaigns. Under Oliver Glasner, he thrived in a unique hybrid defender/midfielder role, showcasing his versatility and composure on the ball.

His stellar form earned him a starting spot for England at Euro 2024, where he forged a strong partnership with John Stones at the heart of the defense. Guehi even became a fan favorite, with supporters creating a bespoke chant in his honor. Despite being at the center of a transfer saga last summer, he remained at Palace and continues to establish himself as one of the club’s greatest-ever players, displaying leadership and a calming presence well beyond his years.

12. Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa

Morgan Rogers is the latest talent to earn a well-deserved England call-up, and his rise at Aston Villa has been nothing short of remarkable. The versatile attacking midfielder and second striker has consistently delivered when given the opportunity, recently making a statement with a goal and an assist in Villa’s impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City.

His stock has soared this season, and while competition for a starting spot in the No. 10 role remains fierce, the 22-year-old’s continued form could see him emerge as Cole Palmer’s primary understudy before long.

13. Jordan Pickford

Everton

For years, Jordan Pickford was seen as indispensable for England but inconsistent for Everton. However, he silenced those doubts during the 2023/24 season, keeping 13 Premier League clean sheets—second only to Arsenal’s David Raya.

Under Sean Dyche, Pickford’s qualities have shone through, showcasing his sharp reflexes, impressive distribution, and commanding presence in the box. Now 30, the experienced shot-stopper remains England’s undisputed No. 1 and is well on his way to being regarded as one of the nation’s greatest goalkeepers.

14. Dominic Solanke

Tottenham Hotspur

Dominic Solanke has emerged as one of England’s most prolific strikers in recent seasons. Tipped for success since Jose Mourinho identified his potential back in 2014 at Chelsea, the Cobham academy graduate is now realizing that promise.

His standout performances for Bournemouth earned him a big-money move to Tottenham, where he is seen as a potential long-term successor to the man topping this list. His form at Spurs also led to a recall to the England squad under Lee Carsley, making his first international appearance in seven years against Greece. While the goals haven’t flowed as freely, Solanke has adapted into a selfless, hard-working forward under Ange Postecoglou, creating space and opportunities for Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski to thrive.

15. Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest

Often understated but crucial to Nottingham Forest's revival under Nuno Espírito Santo, Morgan Gibbs-White has been the creative force behind many of their standout attacking displays this season. With nine goal contributions in just 21 appearances, his influence in the No. 10 role has been instrumental in Forest's push for European qualification.

The only potential drawback is the intense competition in his position. With Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers all thriving in similar roles, it remains uncertain whether Gibbs-White fits into Thomas Tuchel's long-term England plans. However, based on talent alone, he certainly deserves to be in the conversation.