England’s Elite: The 20 Best Right Now — Nos. 20–11 Ranked

England are still nursing the scars of that Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, and Gareth Southgate’s departure has ushered in a new era under Thomas Tuchel. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, the talent pool is overflowing — and it’s time to sort the mainstays from the maybes. Here’s my countdown from 20 to 11 of the best English footballers on the planet right now.

If you track form and numbers as keenly as scouts do clips, have a gander at our best betting sites — but these rankings are judged on form, fitness, tactical fit and big‑game temperament, not nostalgia or hype.

How we ranked them

It’s a blend of current club form, minutes, injury record, consistency for the national side, and whether their skill set fits what Tuchel is likely to demand in tournament football.

20) John Stones — Manchester City

A Rolls-Royce when he’s purring, and City look a touch mortal without him. Stones’ ability to step into midfield and knit play is pure Guardiola, and England are calmer with him around. Injuries have clipped his wings of late, which nudges him down the list, but his class on the ball and aerial nous remain elite. 2025/26: 15 appearances.

19) Marcus Rashford — Barcelona (loan from Manchester United)

Exiled at Old Trafford, revitalised by the sunshine. Rashford hasn’t always started at Barça, but he’s been productive — 10 goals and 13 assists in 38 games — and there’s talk the Catalans will trigger a €30m option. Whether he fancies staying in La Liga or rebooting back home is one for the summer, but the end product is back — and that matters.

18) Ollie Watkins — Aston Villa

Kane’s closest challenger through the middle. The 2023/24 haul was monstrous and he etched his name in England folklore with that late semi-final winner against the Dutch. The current campaign’s output has cooled (9 goals in 41), but his pressing, runs across the line and team-first graft still make him a proper Tuchel striker.

17) Adam Wharton — Crystal Palace

Silky, sensible and so mature for 21. Palace paid big, and he’s paid them back with control and composure in the engine room en route to FA Cup glory in 2025. Seven assists in 40 this term tell you he moves the needle. A World Cup squad lock if his trajectory holds.

16) Morgan Gibbs-White — Nottingham Forest

The creative heartbeat at Forest, forever scheming between the lines. Ten goals and five assists in 42 show his influence, but here’s the rub: England are stacked at No.10. With Foden, Palmer and even Morgan Rogers in the mix, MGW needs versatility or outrageous form to elbow his way in. On talent, he’s right there.

15) Trent Alexander-Arnold — Real Madrid

At Liverpool he proved he can marshal a back line as well as he can quarterback it. Madrid has been a bumpier ride — injuries, Carvajal’s form, even cameos for Valverde at right-back haven’t helped — and he’s yet to get the Tuchel nod this season. Still, the passing range is a cheat code, and in games that need a lock-pick, Trent remains a potential match-winner. 2025/26: 20 apps, 2 assists.

14) Jarrod Bowen — West Ham United

Relentless runner, clever finisher, and a nightmare to mark at the back post. With England’s wide stocks bulging, 20 caps already is no small feat. Ten goals and seven assists in 33 underline his consistency; not always glamorous, rarely ineffective.

13) Anthony Gordon — Newcastle United

Rapid, direct and fearless. Many thought he deserved far more than a token minute at Euro 2024, and he’s answered that by kicking on at club level: 16 goals, five assists in 43 and a wicked partnership with Isak. Tuchel wants pace around Kane — Gordon practically has his hand up shouting “Pick me.” Early chemistry with Nick Woltemade won’t hurt either.

12) Phil Foden — Manchester City

Last season’s Player of the Year reminded everyone what a complete attacker looks like. Injuries checked his stride in 24/25, but he’s edging back toward that irresistible level. Ten goals, five assists in 40 so far; when City rev, Foden is often the spark. He’s the crown jewel of England’s creators.

11) Jordan Pickford — Everton

England’s undisputed No.1, and fully merited. The distribution is crisp, the reflexes razor sharp, and the voice carries. Ten clean sheets in 31 this season for club tells you the standards haven’t dipped. In tournament football you need a keeper who delivers under duress — Pickford’s made a habit of it.

The bigger picture

From Stones’ silk to Gordon’s sizzle, Tuchel’s options are enviable. The top ten will be a knife fight, but if England are to finally end the wait since ’66, this supporting cast from 20 to 11 must be as reliable as the headliners. On we go to the business end of the list…