From the ecstatic journey of battling their way to the European Championships final to the sour taste of defeat in that final, 2024 has been a rollercoaster year for English football. Nevertheless, England’s brightest talents stood out throughout the year, be it in the Premier League or any of the other top leagues across Europe.
Headlined by Harry Kane’s lethal precision in front of goal and Jude Bellingham’s goalscoring exploits from midfield, the nation’s stars showed why they are highly rated among the world’s elite. Join Soccernet.football as we take a look at the top 10 best English players of 2024.
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10. Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
The 26-year-old midfielder was one of the chief orchestrators of Crystal Palace’s late Premier League resurgence last season. Forming a lethal partnership upfront with Michael Olise, who has since joined Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Eze spearheaded a great run that saw the Eagles break into the top half of the table at the end of the season. His performances deservedly earned him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad where he helped the Three Lions reach the final.
9. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
The Arsenal midfield engine room enjoyed a great year at the office in 2024. Rice’s addition to the Gunners’ midfield setup significantly improved the team and brought them even closer to Premier League glory. The former West Ham United man also played a crucial role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final. So far so good for the 25-year-old who is into his second season at the Emirates as he continues to be an important asset for the gunners.
8. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Alexander-Arnold, naturally a right-back, displayed his versatility by transforming into a midfield maestro for Liverpool, showcasing his passing range and tactical intelligence. He helped Liverpool to a third place finish last season while they also won the EFL Cup. This season, the 26-year-old has played a huge role in the Reds’ dominance of England’s top-flight. For England, his set-piece prowess and playmaking were instrumental in their run to the Euro 2024 final.
7. Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)Solanke emerged as a talisman for Bournemouth last season, spearheading their attack with intelligent movement and clinical finishing. He notched an impressive tally of 19 goals in the Premier League, earning him a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur. Unfortunately, he failed to make England’s Euro 2024 squad but the 27-year-old striker has since represented the Three Lions in the UEFA Nations League.
6. Phil Foden (Manchester City)Although Manchester City are currently struggling and nowhere near their best, Foden remains one of the top English performers in 2024. The 24-year-old contributed 19 goals as City snatched their fourth consecutive Premier League crown in the 2023/2024 campaign. While he didn’t exactly light the Euros ablaze, the Stockport-born midfielder was a crucial part of the Three Lions setup.
5. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)Watkins has continued to prove himself as one of England’s most reliable strikers. Leading Aston Villa’s charge in the Premier League and Europa League last term, he bagged 25 goals across all competitions. He also played a starring role for England in the Euros, netting 3 goals and cementing his reputation as a consistent performer for both club and country.
4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)Saka has been sensational for both Arsenal and England in the last few years. The 23-year-old has spearheaded Arsenal’s impressive but unsuccessful bids for Premier League glory in the last couple of seasons. Saka was England’s standout performer at Euro 2024, with most of their goal threat during the tournament coming from his side of the pitch. He notched 34 goal contributions last season and already has 22 so far.
3. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)The former Manchester City prospect has bloomed into a star at Stamford Bridge. Palmer took his destiny into his own hands when he decided to leave City in search of game time and boy has it worked out incredibly well. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder who bagged 25 goals last term, has 12 to his name this season. He also starred in the European Championships.
2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
An absolutely spectacular debut season at the Bernabeu saw Bellingham unlock the goalscoring side of his game and help Madrid to La Liga and Champions League glory. Bellingham turned up with crucial goals throughout the year, whether in Los Blancos colours or for England at the Euros. While he has not been as efficient in the final third so far this season, the 21-year-old is still making significant contributions.
1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
The best English player for the year 2024 without the shadow of a doubt is Bayern Munich goal-machine and England national team captain Kane. While the former Tottenham Hotspur striker was unable to end his wait for a major trophy despite moving to Bayern and reaching the Euros final, he enjoyed a fantastic record-breaking personal campaign. He scored 44 goals in 45 appearances last term and he has already notched another 20 this season.
