Ranking the 5 best English players this year (2021)

#3 Reece James (Chelsea/England)

Chelsea vs Leeds United - Premier League

Reece James is one of the best young English players in the game at the moment. The Chelsea right-back has had an impressive year for club and country.

With four goals and five assists in the league, the 22-year-old has played a key role in Chelsea's quest to win their first Premier League title in five years. He has also scored in the Champions League this season for the holders.

James was part of the England team that made the Euro 2020 final. He also featured prominently in the Three Lions' successful FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign, contributing two assists.

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#2 Declan Rice (West Ham/England)

Arsenal vs West Ham United - Premier League

Declan Rice is one of the best young defensive midfielders in the game at the moment, especially in the English top flight.

Still only 22, Rice has already made nearly 150 appearances in the Premier League, all for West Ham United. He featured in all seven games at Euro 2020, particularly impressing in the final against Italy, which England lost on penalties.

Courted by many top clubs, Rice is on the cusp of a big-money move, which could happen as early as next summer.

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#1 Mason Mount (Chelsea/England)

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea - Premier League

Mason Mount has arguably been the standout English player for club and country. Unlike Rice, the 22-year-old won a major title this year, bagging two goals and as many assists in Chelsea's unexpected Champions League triumph.

The Chelsea academy graduate has contributed seven goals and six assists in the Premier League this season. Mount is yet to score in four games for the Champions League holders this campaign, though.

The 2021 Ballon d'Or nominee has also sizzled for England this year, bagging a goal and four assists across Euro 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers. Mount is set to play a key role for club and country in the years to come.