The Football Association oversees England’s national football team, representing their country at international tournaments such as FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
Jude Bellingham missed out on September’s Nations League games due to injury, but has made his comeback for games against Greece and Finland this month. Carsley will look forward to supporting Real Madrid midfielder to ensure he gives his best performance against Greece and Finland.
In this article, we will discuss the high lights and main points of The Top England National Football Team Players.
1. Harry Kane
Harry Kane has long been revered by England fans and young players as an inspirational international player. His appeal to “put England first” goes far beyond attendance goals – it encourages fans to rediscover what makes playing for one’s country so rewarding.
Spurs striker Harry Kane made his England debut during Euro 2016 qualifying match against Lithuania, scoring 80 seconds after being introduced as a sub. While England were ultimately eliminated by Iceland in round 16, Kane continued to shine as one of their main figures on international duty.
His performances at the 2018 World Cup were widely lauded and his goal-scoring prowess earned him the Golden Boot as top scorer of the tournament. Since then he has become an indispensable member of England’s squad and one of its most iconic players to date.
Kane is an exceptional leader. Known for his tactical awareness and work ethic on the pitch, as well as holding up the ball and creating opportunities for others, he excels as both an excellent finisher, powerful header, and having both feet on his pass with equal ease. Kane remains one of the key members of England team today and his influence will only increase over time.
2. Phil Foden
Foden had an outstanding end-of-season performance for Manchester City and Gareth Southgate noticed this potential talent enough to include him in his senior squad. Since August 2020 when he first made the squad – representing England at multiple age group levels with the Young Lions – Foden has been an impressive revelation, starting all Euro 2024 qualifying campaign games, including opening two UEFA Nations League matches!
Foden’s performance in those games attracted considerable acclaim, particularly his goalscoring prowess against Iceland and Denmark. But despite that success, his three appearances so far at this tournament haven’t seen that momentum carried forward.
Foden has been an indispensable member of England’s midfield over recent international breaks, and his performances suggest he should play in its final Group match against Belgium. Manchester City player Foden possesses both the technical ability and intelligence required for such a deep role – something he demonstrated with ease against Watford last month in 2024-25 EFL Cup victory – providing an outlet for Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka while also linking with attacking players such as Harry Kane.
3. Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson’s moment of lifting the Champions League trophy over his head will go down in history as an unforgettable one. When Brian came rushing onto the pitch to embrace him and they both began crying together as they stood together crying on the pitch together for an extended period. It served as a symbolic representation of his family unit that has been key in his career and why so many fans choose him to represent their countries.
Of course, whether or not that is sufficient reason to continue booing him remains up for debate. Booing may be seen as a response to his move to Saudi Arabia (even though he has played at a higher standard before with Australia’s national team) or could stem from allegations regarding homosexuality and his preference for playing on the left flank; even his preference for Klopp’s pressing system over Southgate’s more fluid style could cause tensions to arise.
Whatever their motivation may be, Henderson remains an outstanding player who makes a substantial impact for England. He displays a consistent work ethic, intelligent passing ability, and can effectively press teams while being willing to take risks when necessary – qualities which make him one of the key components in Liverpool and England midfields alike – providing reliable performances until his body gives out.
4. Callum Hudson-Odoi
As part of England Under-17 team that won World Cup 2017, 18-year-old winger Charlie Ward proved himself as an aggressive, fearless player with an extensive skills set. His pace, ability to take out defenders with ease and vision make him an effective threat in the final third.
Hudson-Odoi has earned himself a senior call-up after Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21 side lost four players due to injury; and is expected to make his full international debut against Dynamo Kiev at Wembley this Friday.
Hudson-Odoi has yet to feature in a Premier League match for Chelsea under manager Maurizio Sarri; however, Southgate recognizes the need to give young players experience, so is not concerned by his ineptitude as an official starter; nevertheless he has made an impression both club level and nationally.
Hudson-Odoi was simply unplayable against Montenegro recently, dribbling effortlessly and leaving stunned defenders scrambling, yet showing great control and vision as well. He read the game expertly in tight spaces while seeking out difficult passes that will put his teammates into dangerous positions – an integral component of his attacking arsenal that has seen him average an incredible average of 3.5 dribbles per game this Europa League season.
5. Harry Winks
Harry Winks is the engine behind Tottenham Hotspur. As a midfielder, his superb ball control and ability to link defense with attack make him an invaluable member of both club and national squads. Hailing from Hemel Hempstead, this 21-year-old boasts an outstanding passing range which enables him to dictate play and create chances for others.
Winks’ performances this season have put him back into Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad discussion, although regular first-team football will be crucial if he wants to maintain his place with England. He realizes he must continue performing at Spurs until May, at which point he must prove his credentials at a higher level if he wishes to secure his England spot.
Winks doesn’t engage as directly with his fans as do some of his fellow England players, yet that doesn’t mean they don’t matter to him – after all, he once paid an Instagram fan to promote it for him! This shows that Winks is willing to help out his supporters as long as they ask politely rather than thinking they are only looking out for their own wallet and cheap popularity.
6. Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi is an incredible football prodigy who has taken the world of soccer by storm. The Chelsea winger has quickly established himself as one of the greatest talents of his generation and may leave an indelible mark on the game. Starting his journey at Chelsea’s youth academy, Callum quickly excelled through to becoming a key figure both with Chelsea FC and England national team.
Under his tutelage, he began the 2018-2019 season strong and has continued to perform at an exceptional level throughout. This earned him selection in England’s squad for Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Montenegro; at 17 he became England’s youngest ever senior debutante; showing enormous promise for future success.
Gareth Southgate promoted Hudson-Odoi from the U21 squad to the seniors because he believes he is ready for senior level play. Southgate could have done it directly from U21s but didn’t want to upset Aidy Boothroyd’s working group and disrupt what they have established together as a unit.
Hudson-Odoi is an outstanding natural talent who has quickly adjusted to senior level football. He shows great promise for both Chelsea and England and has been greatly inspired by Raheem Sterling of Manchester City; in particular he considers Sterling an idol among his fellow Tottenham Hotspur players Raheem is also a key leader within their camp helping guide younger players.
