Top 10 English Footballers in 2026: Current Best Players

England continues to showcase incredible football talent, with stars like Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham leading a squad full of quality players. These athletes shine both domestically and internationally, helping England aim for major trophies under manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Premier League remains a benchmark for competitive football, and English players are making waves not just there but also in leagues like La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A. Despite tough losses in European finals, England ranks fourth globally in FIFA standings, fueled by a roster packed with potential to break the country’s long wait for international silverware since 1966.

Top 10 Best English Footballers of 2026

• Rank: 10 | Player: Jordan Pickford | Age: 32 | Position: Goalkeeper | Club: Everton
• Rank: 9 | Player: Jude Bellingham | Age: 23 | Position: Midfielder | Club: Real Madrid
• Rank: 8 | Player: Nico O'Reilly | Age: 21 | Position: Defender | Club: Manchester City
• Rank: 7 | Player: Anthony Gordon | Age: 25 | Position: Forward | Club: Newcastle United
• Rank: 6 | Player: Morgan Rogers | Age: 23 | Position: Midfielder | Club: Aston Villa
• Rank: 5 | Player: Marcus Rashford | Age: 28 | Position: Forward | Club: Manchester United
• Rank: 4 | Player: Bukayo Saka | Age: 24 | Position: Forward | Club: Arsenal
• Rank: 3 | Player: Marc Guehi | Age: 25 | Position: Defender | Club: Manchester City
• Rank: 2 | Player: Declan Rice | Age: 27 | Position: Midfielder | Club: Arsenal
• Rank: 1 | Player: Harry Kane | Age: 32 | Position: Forward | Club: Bayern Munich

How Were They Ranked?

• Performance Stats: Key statistics from the 2025-26 season for club and country were heavily weighed.
• Consistency: Their performance over the current and recent seasons factored into their ranking.
• Impact in Big Matches: Contribution in critical games such as UEFA Champions League and Premier League matches was considered.

Profiles of the Top English Players

10. Jordan Pickford (Everton)

England's primary goalkeeper, Pickford has maintained his spot as a trusted figure for both club and country. Despite competition from Dean Henderson, he recorded 11 clean sheets in 38 league games last season. Pickford finished third in clean sheets behind David Raya and Gianluigi Donnarumma, demonstrating solid form at 32 years old.

• Appearances: 53
• Total Clean Sheets: 19
• Shots Saved per 90: 2.63
• Total Saves: 114

9. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Rising quickly since joining Real Madrid, Bellingham has become one of the world’s best midfielders. At 23, he’s pivotal for both club and England, having earned 52 caps since debuting at 17. His creativity and drive stand out in key fixtures.

• Appearances: 57
• Goals + Assists: 11 + 8
• Progressive Passes per 90: 8.20
• Progressive Carries per 90: 3.10

8. Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)

At 21, O'Reilly impresses with versatility, deployed across defense and midfield by Pep Guardiola. He made 34 Premier League appearances and helped City finish second. His ability to play multiple roles sets him apart among defenders.

• Age: 21
• Appearances: 64
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 1.73
• Blocks per 90: 0.41
• Interceptions per 90: 0.68

7. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)

Once overlooked at Everton, Gordon flourished under Eddie Howe at Newcastle. The winger scored 10 goals with two assists in 10 Champions League games, helping the team to the knockout stages. Recently signed by Barcelona for €70 million, Gordon shows promise but still seeks consistent Premier League impact.

• Appearances: 57
• Goals + Assists: 19 + 8
• Shots on Target per 90: 2.38
• Chance Creation per 90: 1.29

6. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Known as 'Starboy', Rogers dazzled in 2025-26, winning UEFA Europa League Player of the Season. He contributed 14 goals and 12 assists to help Villa finish top four and secure the Europa League trophy.

• Appearances: 69
• Goals + Assists: 14 + 12
• Shots on Target per 90: 0.88
• Chance Creation per 90: 1.29

5. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Rashford remains a key player for Manchester United, contributing 8 goals and 7 assists last season as they lifted the UEFA Europa League. With 76 England caps since 2016, he’s experienced in major tournaments.

• Appearances: 64
• Goals + Assists: 16 + 12
• Shots on Target per 90: 1.48
• Chance Creation per 90: 2.35

4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Saka is Arsenal’s attacking lynchpin, known for pace and creativity. Last season, he scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in 57 appearances. He’s a regular in England’s squad, contributing consistently on big stages.

• Appearances: 57
• Goals + Assists: 12 + 10
• Shots on Target per 90: 1.09
• Chance Creation per 90: 2.47

3. Marc Guehi (Manchester City)

A Chelsea academy graduate, Guehi built his reputation at Crystal Palace before moving to Manchester City. Known for leadership and technical skills, he captained Palace to FA Cup success and now strengthens City’s defense.

• Appearances: 63
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 2.94
• Blocks per 90: 0.66
• Interceptions per 90: 1.43

2. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Arsenal’s record signing at £105 million, Rice anchors midfield with defensive skill and goal contributions. Last season, he had 7 goals and 14 assists. Having switched allegiance from Ireland, Rice is vital for both club and England with 76 caps.

• Appearances: 67
• Goals + Assists: 7 + 14
• Progressive Passes per 90: 7.71
• Progressive Carries per 90: 2.87

1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Kane tops the list as England’s leading striker and one of the best forwards worldwide. Formerly Tottenham’s star, he now excels with Bayern Munich. He holds the record as England’s all-time top scorer with 78 goals and continues to score prolifically, including 36 goals in 31 games this season.

• Appearances: 70
• Expected Goals (xG): 26.87
• Goals: 72
• Assists: 10

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are young players part of the best English footballers? Yes, several young talents feature in the list.
• Which position dominates the rankings? Forwards make up the majority.
• Who is currently the best English footballer? Harry Kane holds that title.
• Are overseas-based players included? Yes, players based abroad like Kane and Bellingham are included.