The 10 best England players named and ranked ahead of Euro 2024
England go into the European Championship in Germany among the favourites.
Gareth Southgate’s squad includes some of the best-performing players in the Premier League while the performances of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the continent will have England fans rightly dreaming of a first piece of international silverware since 1966.
But who are England’s most indispensable players ahead of the tournament? Here is a list of the best England players going into the summer.
10) Luke Shaw
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Southgate and co will be sweating on Luke Shaw’s fitness ahead of the tournament, with the Manchester United left-back having endured an injury in February that will see him sidelined for months.
An experienced campaigner for England, having played in 12 games for the Three Lions in either the Euros or World Cup, Shaw’s overlapping runs would allow for Phil Foden (more on him later) to come inside, where he is most effective.
9) Trent Alexander-Arnold
It seems journalists wrestle with the Trent Alexander-Arnold question ahead of every international tournament.
The Liverpool star is already in the pantheon of the Premier League’s greatest-ever right backs while he is among the league’s most accomplished passers. Alexander-Arnold can be vulnerable defensively, however.
It’s possible that Alexander-Arnold doesn’t see a single minute of football this summer, with Southgate instead opting for his more defensively sound counterparts at right back.
However, it’s also possible that Alexander-Arnold will feature in a midfield three, as he has done on several occasions in the past year for England. Should the latter happen, Alexander-Arnold’s passing prowess, experience and set-piece delivery could be invaluable for the Three Lions.
8) Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford may not be at the level of greats like Peter Shilton and Gordon Banks, but as the old adage goes, he’s never let England down.
The Euros is likely to be his fourth tournament in succession as England's No.1. While he is at times erratic, such experience and consistency cannot be underestimated at an international tournament.
7) Kyle Walker
Speaking of experience, Kyle Walker has won everything there is to win at club level with Manchester City, while his recovery speed is a match for any attacker in world footballer - just ask Kylian Mbappe.
Walker is not only able to operate at full-back but also at right centre-back should England opt for a back three. That type of versatility is something Southgate has placed enormous value on in the past.
6) John Stones
John Stones has been among the world’s best-performing centre-backs in the past 18 months, while he has excelled when stepping into midfield to dictate the game’s tempo.
Given England’s relative weakness in the centre of defence, Stones’ availability will be crucial for England’s chances of victory.
5) Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been one of England’s most important players in recent seasons, having claimed 11 goals in his 32 caps so far.
For Arsenal too he has had another excellent season, having netted seven goals in his last five games ahead of Monday night’s encounter with Sheffield United.
He is almost certain to start at right-wing in Germany.
4) Phil Foden
A decisive brace in the Manchester derby on Sunday provided yet another reminder of Foden’s exceptional quality.
Foden has been the main creative force for City in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne this term, having claimed 18 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
Such club form has made his place in Southgate’s England side indispensable, with the Stockport-born 23-year-old likely to operate on the left flank in the summer.
3) Declan Rice
Declan Rice has been among Arsenal’s most consistent performers since securing a £105million move to the Emirates from West Ham last summer.
His ability to play the defensive midfield position on the front foot is as important as it is unique.
Only Rodri can protect the back four, dictate the game’s tempo and surge forward as effectively as Rice in the Premier League.
2) Jude Bellingham
Bellingham’s debut campaign at Real Madrid has seen the 20-year-old become the envy of every nation in the world.
His 20 goals for Carlo Ancelotti’s side already this season have been interspersed with balletic runs, crunching tackles and eight assists. Should he continue on his current trajectory Bellingham will become the story of this summer’s Euros.
1) Harry Kane
Since last summer's transfer to Bayern Munich Kane has further enhanced his reputation among the world’s best No.9s.
He has scored 31 goals in Bavaria already this term, including 27 in his 24 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern.
As England’s captain and record scorer, England will be praying Kane’s goals can fire the Three Lions to glory.
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Premier League
Chris Byfield