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Just a decade ago, the transfer of an English player to a European top club seemed completely exotic. In the 2026/27 season, the scenario has shifted dramatically: stars of the England squad are thriving at Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern, and Inter.

Not long ago, the idea of an English footballer moving to a foreign league was regarded as an oddity — even Owen Hargreaves' transfer to Bayern was seen as something unusual during the era of the 'golden generation'. Today, however, that stereotype has been thoroughly dismantled as top English talents have become key figures in major clubs across Europe.

We've compiled a symbolic team of the best English representatives playing outside the Premier League for the 2026/27 season.

The squad of England's finest beyond the Premier League:

  1. Goalkeeper: Charlie Setford (Ajax). The 22-year-old Ajax academy graduate, with Dutch roots, has been awarded the best talent in the academy but is still awaiting his full debut for the first team.
  2. Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid). After a tough patch with the national team and the arrival of Denzel Dumfries in Madrid, the Englishman is gearing up for revenge and aims to secure a spot in Jose Mourinho's starting XI.
  3. Centre-back: Charlie Creswell (Rennes). Following a stellar season at Toulouse and interest from Premier League clubs, the Euro U21 champion moved to Rennes to shine in the Europa League.
  4. Centre-back: John Stones (Inter). After ten years with Manchester City, the 32-year-old defender made the switch to Serie A as a free agent, looking to bolster Inter's backline.
  5. Left-back: Jed Spence (Inter). Fresh off an impressive World Cup 2026, Spence will anchor the left flank in this squad as he adapts to Italian football.
  6. Defensive midfielder: Tyler Morton (Lyon). The Merseyside kid has blossomed in France under Paulo Fonseca, who has turned him into a key playmaker in the deep midfield.
  7. Central midfielder: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Milan). The 30-year-old midfielder continues to be a reliable and dynamic presence at the heart of the Rossoneri's midfield.
  8. Central midfielder: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid). The standout star and undisputed leader in Madrid's midfield, Bellingham is making waves in La Liga.
  9. Right winger: Tyreece Dolan (Espanyol). A product of Manchester's football scene, Dolan is gradually settling in La Liga and is set to make his mark on the right flank.
  10. Left winger: Anthony Gordon (Barcelona). Having made the move to Catalonia this summer, Gordon is already impressing Hansi Flick during pre-season with his sharp form and Spanish language skills.
  11. Forward: Harry Kane (Bayern). The main striking force for the England national team and an unrelenting goal machine for Bayern Munich.