As international teams gear up for their first action this year, WhoScored have picked a team and 23-man squad of their best rated English players this season, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope, Newcastle
Nick Pope has not played since the beginning of December, but he remains the best English goalkeeper this season. The 31-year-old’s ongoing absence has proved catastrophic for Eddie Howe’s side. Since his injury against Manchester United, the team’s defensive record has plummeted from one of the very best in the league, to one of the worst. Newcastle conceded three or more goals in just one of the 14 league matches Pope has started this season; in the 14 games without him, they have allowed that to happen eight times. Rating: 6.72
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool
Plenty of England supporters were hoping Trent Alexander-Arnold would be given an audition in midfield in this month’s friendlies, but injury to the Liverpool man has scuppered that plan at least until June. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old takes his place in this XI at right-back, with his rating of 7.18 tied with Kieran Trippier as the best for a full-back in the Premier League this season. Rating: 7.18
Left-back: Kieran Trippier, Newcastle
It’s been a topsy-turvy campaign for Kieran Trippier, who occupies the right-back spot in this XI. He has made 63 key passes, which is more than any other defender in the league and fifth for all players in the division. No player has set up more goals (10) than the experienced Newcastle full-back. Rating: 7.18
Centre-back: James Tarkowski, Everton
Despite their low position in the table, Everton boast one of the best defensive records in the Premier League – they have conceded fewer goals than Aston Villa and Tottenham. Tarkowski has been very important. The 31-year-old ranks fifth for clearances (127), third for aerial duels won (107) and second for interceptions (50) in the league. Rating: 7.07
Centre-back: Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton
Tarkowski’s teammate, Jarrad Branthwaite, partners him at the heart of our defence. Jarrad Branthwaite is enjoying a stunning campaign under Sean Dyche, with the 21-year-old deserving of his call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad this month. The youngster will be a man in demand this summer, with his reading of the game belying his tender years. Branthwaite’s tally of 41 interceptions is especially impressive – only three players so young have made more in Europe’s top leagues this season. Rating: 6.88
Central midfield: James Maddison, Tottenham
One of the signings of the season, James Maddison has been instrumental in Ange Postecoglou’s bright start as Tottenham boss. Maddison has scored four goals and set up seven more for Spurs in the Premier League. He is making 2.7 key passes per 90 minutes, the seventh highest in the league. Rating: 7.38
Central midfield: Declan Rice, Arsenal
Another summer mover who is shining in new surroundings, Declan Rice has proven a sensational addition for Arsenal. Rice has been directly involved in 11 league goals this season, scoring six and setting up five, and he has added some necessary defensive resolve to Mikel Arteta’s side. Arsenal go into the international break top of the Premier League and Rice has made a big contribution to their success this season. Rating: 7.40
Central midfield: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham has taken to life at Real Madrid like a duck to water and could be England’s star player at the Euros in the summer. The 20-year-old has scored 16 goals in La Liga this season, earning Carlo Ancelotti’s side 11 additional points. He steps up at the big moments, which will be key when he goes back to Germany this summer. Rating: 7.78
Right wing: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal
The best rated player in the Premier League this season, the Starboy is likely to be one of England’s star men this summer. Bukayo Saka is enjoying the best campaign of his career so far, with 13 goals and eight assists. He has made a massive contribution to Arsenal’s rise to top spot. Rating: 7.69
Striker: Harry Kane, England
Harry Kane is the best rated player in Europe’s top five leagues this season and it is easy to see why. He has scored 31 league goals – his nearest competitor in the race for the European golden boot, Kylian Mbappé, has only scored 24. And the top scorer in the Premier League, Erling Haaland, is way back on 18. Kane has also contributed seven assists for Bayern. He might miss out on the friendlies this month due to an ankle injury sustained at the weekend, but he will be aiming to captain England to glory this summer. Rating: 7.87
Left wing: Phil Foden, England
Phil Foden completes an impressive front three. He has appeared in all 28 of Manchester City’s league games this season, scoring 11 goals and setting up seven more. Foden was dubbed England’s great hope at Euro 2020, but his league form suggests he will live up to the billing at Euro 2024. Rating: 7.42
The full 23-man squad
Goalkeepers: Nick Pope, James Trafford, Jordan Pickford.
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben White, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Harry Maguire, Dan Burn.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Declan Rice, Ross Barkley, James Ward-Prowse, Conor Gallagher.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon.
