ENGLAND SQUAD LADDER: Trent Alexander-Arnold has proven himself

England are a different outfit under the interim care of Lee Carsley with new stars rising to the occasion and previous outcasts being recalled into the fray.

The Three Lions have endured a mixed UEFA Nations League campaign during the second international break of the season, losing against Greece in a shock result before beating Finland.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold is enjoying his best career spell in an England shirt, Jude Bellingham is becoming a leader and Cole Palmer is continuing to earn plaudits.

But, a new manager might be at the helm when the next international break rolls around as the FA continue their search for the best person to replace Gareth Southgate.

Mail Sport is back with our expert England squad ladder ranking the top 40 Three Lions stars.

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold (up 15)

A stunning free-kick in Sunday's 3-1 win over Finland was the crowning moment for Trent Alexander-Arnold as his Three Lions rise continues under Lee Carsley's interim guidance.

Under Gareth Southgate, Alexander-Arnold struggled for minutes and was either played out of position as a midfielder or not trusted over England's over crop of full-backs despite starring for Liverpool over the years.

He now appears to finally have found his natural setting in England's defence, claiming three out of four man-of-the-match awards and takes top spot in our rankings after a brilliant national team resurrection.

2. Jude Bellingham (no change)

He might be yet to score for Real Madrid this season and still only 21-years-old but Bellingham is one of England's leaders and now most-trusted players in the team set-up.

Bellingham is being played in his preferred central attacking midfield role with England as opposed to the deeper position Kylian Mbappe's arrival in Madrid has forced him into.

The playmaker is the gel that knits everything good England do together with his pinpoint passing improving the team's flow, mazing runs poking holes in opposition defences and late runs into the box providing goalscoring opportunities. It would be no surprise to see Bellingham picked as a future England captain. 

3. Harry Kane (down two)

Was a surprise miss from England's shock defeat against Greece after being named on the bench, but was recalled by Carsley for England's victorious trip to Helsinki.

The Three Lions captain has already scored 10 goals for Bayern Munich this season and remains England's biggest goal threat but needs a team that plays to his strengths.

Kane is never going to be a striker that eats up ground by running in behind which is what Carsley seems to want and at 31-years-old is in a position where the next World Cup could be his last with England. 

4. Declan Rice (down one)

The Arsenal star has nailed down his starting spot with England and fulfils the unattractive side of the game perfectly to make him one of Europe's best defensive midfielders.

Since making his England debut five years ago, Rice has gone on to make 62 appearances and is one of the most-trusted players by both Carsley and former boss, Southgate.

Rice is an expert in protecting England's defence, but also thrives in being a goal threat as his 84th minute strike wrapped up a 3-1 win over Finland. That's now consecutive goals in each international break for Rice.

5. Kyle Walker (down one)

Walker was perhaps fearful that Alexander-Arnold's rise would put an end to his dominance at right-back, but that wasn't the case and is still a huge presence in England's team.

At 34-years-old he is the veteran in the national team camp but is still as quick as anyone in world football and offers reliability that England's defence has at times struggled with.

Now just nine appearances away from a century of England outings, Walker offers consistent high-level performances and boasts tournament experience that is incredibly valuable to the nation's ambitions.

6. John Stones (up three)

It's yet to be seen who will be his long-term centre-back partner, but Stones continues to be the leader in England's defence and has largely taken on the mantle that Harry Maguire used to.

The Man City defender provides reassuring calmness when both in and out of possession and shares a title-winning relationship with Walker that gives England a defensive platform to build on.

His experience and celebrated success also makes him the perfect partner and mentor for Marc Guehi who is still very much in the birthing stage of his England career.

7. Phil Foden (down two)

Foden was one of the players that you felt was suffering from a post-Euro 2024 hangover, but is now getting back to his best and is a star that England need to work how they can get the most out of.

Playing Foden in an ineffective role on the wing in the summer was a mistake that England have hopefully learned from and now whether with Carsley or a new coach it's vital that they find a position for the Man City superstar to thrive in.

Foden has scored just four England goals in 43 appearances which is a shock compared to the 88 he has bagged for Man City and it's up to Three Lions coaches to not let his talent go to waste.

8. Bukayo Saka (down one)

It's been an eventful international break for the Arsenal starboy who withdrawn from the squad with injury and is now in a race against time to be back fit for the resumption of the Premier League.

However, Saka is a pivotal figure in England's ranks and has grown to become a regular starter on the right-wing where the Three Lions have benefited from him terrorising some of the world's best defenders.

The 23-year-old looks at home in the national team set-up and alongside England's other fledgling talents has a chance to be part of a team that finally lifts silverware. 

9. Cole Palmer (up 19)

His stunning exploits at Chelsea have made Palmer a star-in-the-making that can no longer be ignored, now the problem is working out where to fit him in and at whose expense.

The 22-year-old can play anywhere across England's frontline, but is best with Chelsea in the main creator role just behind the striker that is currently occupied by Bellingham in the national team.

He was crowned England's player of the year at the start of the international break but has only made 11 appearances for his country and at Euro 2024 was called on too late. Palmer is one of England's biggest talents and has to be integrated into the team in a position where he can thrive.

10. Jack Grealish (up six)

Grealish has become one of Carsley's biggest backers since having an olive branch extended to him after missing out on England's European Championship squad that he later insisted was a 'mistake'.

His opener against Finland means he has now scored in consecutive England camps and looks to be regaining the confidence that previously made him almost undroppable.

Grealish is a player that needs the big stage to be at his best and if Carsley doesn't become the next England manager then will need to keep performing for a new chief or risk being dropped again. 

11. Jordan Pickford (down 11)

The heartbeat of England's team and still very much the main man between the sticks even if he was given a brief moment of rest amongst the subs against Finland.

You always sense Pickford saves his best performances for England and at 30-years-old now has the major competition experience that will be extremely valuable to the nation's hopes of future success.

The Everton shot-stopper deserves the No.1 shirt and is a master of mind games that offers England something different between the sticks.

12. Marc Guehi (up 11)

Continues to hold onto the centre-back role he starred in at Euro 2024 and appears to be the natural successor for Harry Maguire even if Crystal Palace are struggling in the Premier League.

Guehi was desperately wanted by Newcastle in the summer and their failed pursuit shows how highly-rated the defender is as he attempts to solidify his spot in the national team.

The problem is if Guehi drops off then the space alongside Stones will be gone as England continue to reassess their defensive options at every international break. 

13. Conor Gallagher (down three)

His summer switch to Spain hasn't damaged his England hopes and is a midfielder that understands he isn't going to be the first choice but still does the hard and gritty work anyway.

Gallagher's tenacity and energy makes him a well-liked character by England staff and he can be trusted to produce consistent performances even when the chips are down.

The former Chelsea star is still adjusting to life in Madrid since moving but appears to be thriving in an Atletico team that is giving him regular opportunities much to England's benefit.

14. Kobbie Mainoo (down one)

Withdrew from the England camp with injury which is probably no surprise after being played relentlessly for both club and country since bursting onto the stage last season.

Mainoo is regarded by people in Man United's camp as a generational midfield talent and after being a surprise pick for Euro 2024 went even further as he starred in an England side that went all the way to the final.

The 19-year-old has a brilliant future ahead of him for both club and country where alongside Bellingham and Rice can settle into a Three Lions midfield that can rival the world's best. 

15. Ollie Watkins (up 12)

The Aston Villa star has to wait patiently for his opportunity as he plays back-up to Kane with England and was perhaps feeling slightly annoyed as Carsley opted to play without a recognised striker against Greece.

Watkins will continue to play understudy as long as Kane keeps playing for England, but he is becoming a regular feature in the Three Lions camp and is always ready for his opportunity.

His heroic goal at Euro 2024 was the ignition Watkins' international career needed and now he needs to try and build on that whenever England call upon him. 

16. Rico Lewis (up 18)

Having previously starred under Carsley's coaching in the England youth teams, it's no surprise to see Lewis now being given more of a chance in the senior squad.

His exploits at Man City under Pep Guardiola have earned the 19-year-old huge plaudits and rightly so, but there is still confusion over his best position.

Lewis is a victim of his own versatility, playing at full-back or in midfield and if England want to get the best out of the fledgling talent need to decide which one it is. 

17. Anthony Gordon (up four)

Gordon's England career has been slow-burning as he faces stiff competition in the wide ranks where the Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of superstars.

However, his performances at Newcastle including two Premier League goals this season has made him a useful albeit not starting figure with the national team.

The 23-year-old is becoming a constant squad player for England and now needs to keep improving if he wants to start challenging for regular starting opportunities. 

18. Angel Gomes (new entry)

Gomes is perhaps the player that has benefitted the most from Carsley's tenure after previously leaving Man United to resurrect his career in France where he is now playing a star role for Lille.

The midfielder offers England something different with his technical ability particularly impressive given that Gomes lacks the physicality of some of his Three Lions team-mates.

Gomes has made back-to-back England camps and impressed in both but you sense it could be a false dawn if Carsley doesn't get the job on a permanent basis. 

19. Dominic Solanke (new entry)

England fans wanted Solanke picked under Southgate after starring for Bournemouth last season and after joining Spurs is now being given a chance to showcase his goalscoring exploits.

Recalled to St George's Park for the first time in seven years, Solanke managed 18 minutes against Greece before being kept on the bench for the Finland clash.

The problem the Spurs star has is he is still behind both Kane and Watkins in the pecking order, but at least he has his foot back in the England door and can only build from here. 

20. Dean Henderson (up 13)

It's been a long time coming - and probably overdue - as Henderson made his first England start in Sunday's UEFA Nations League win and now has ambitions to become the team's No.1.

That's a supremely hard task considering Pickford's solidity, but Henderson once went toe-to-toe with David de Gea at Man United and now at Crystal Palace has his sights locked on the Three Lions.

The 27-year-old is a more-than-apt back-up goalkeeper and you feel his best years still very much lie ahead in the future. 

21. Levi Colwill (up 17)

Made just his third England start against Greece and is very much a player that the Three Lions value as they continue to pick him for camps.

Colwill has been touted as a future successor for Stones and needs to make sure he continues impressing for Chelsea or could drop out of consideration by England selectors. 

22. Harry Maguire (down 14)

Dropped by England and currently sidelined with an injury at Man United means Maguire has his work cut out if he wants to force his way back into national team consideration.

His relationship with Southgate meant he was picked by the ex-England boss at times when his performances didn't warrant selection and change has left the centre-back out in the cold.

Maguire has been a great servant to England over the years but it looks like change might have spelled the end of his Three Lions career. 

23. Ezri Konsa (up three)

From one defender to another, Konsa finds himself in the position of being selected by England but later forced to withdraw after getting injured in Aston Villa's goalless draw against Man United.

The Villa defender is trying to make a quick recovery from a hamstring complaint and his physicality makes Konsa a player that England supporters are desperate to see more of.

He has a tough nut to crack in forcing out one of either Guehi or Stones, but deserves his chance after becoming an integral part of a Villa side now starring in the Champions League.

24. Luke Shaw (no change)

Shaw is England and Man United's best left-back, the problem is he can't stay fit throughout a season and at the moment currently remains injured.

The 29-year-old has been tortured by a career riddled through injuries, but when available is one of the first names on the Three Lions team-sheet.

Expect to see Shaw recalled when he gets a run of games back under his belt.

25. Nick Pope (up four)

The Newcastle shot-stopper has found himself in England's camp at a time when he doesn't have much chance of playing but is still a first-class professional.

Pope was recalled by England for their latest run of fixtures and is still patiently waiting to make a first appearance in over two years. 

26. James Maddison (down 14)

Maddison was a close call for England decision-makers but ultimately missed out after a mixed start to the season with Spurs before finding form just before the international break.

The 27-year-old is a skilful playmaker but currently isn't at the same level as England's other attacking stars and now needs to show consistency at Tottenham if he wants to have a future Three Lions career.

27. Marcus Rashford (down eight)

Once the golden boy in England's camp, Rashford now finds himself in a precarious position with both club and country that he has to get a grip of sooner rather than later.

At 26, Rashford still has plenty of time to get recalled but has to start delivering at Man United after a dreadful previous season that culminated in him missing the cut for England's Euro 2024 squad.

United's downfall coincides with Rashford's and a change in management at Old Trafford could be what is needed to get the best out of him again. 

28. Joe Gomez (down 11)

Took a permanent place on the bench at Euro 2024 and wasn't selected for the recent England squad after dropping out of a starting role at Liverpool.

The bonus for Gomez is that he can play in any position across England's backline which makes him a hugely versatile squad member for Three Lions selectors to consider.

29. Jarrad Branthwaite (up three)

Remained at Everton despite outside interest in the summer following a breakthrough Premier League campaign, but still only has the one England appearance to his name.

Branthwaite is currently nursing a groin injury that has limited him to just one appearance this season and there are no doubts his England career will eventually take off. 

30. Tino Livramento (new entry)

Called up as an injury replacement for England's recent Nations League games and never looks fazed by the occasion which is a huge plus for the Newcastle star.

Is starting to find form in the north-east under Eddie Howe's guidance and if the Magpies boss does join the Three Lions then expect to see more of Livramento. 

31. Noni Madueke (new entry)

Needed a season to settle at Chelsea and is showing signs that he is finally finding his stride with back-to-back England call-ups only helping his cause.

The 22-year-old has come through the Three Lions youth ranks and a senior debut against Finland last month was followed-up by two more outings under Carsley. Plenty more still to come. 

32. Jarrod Bowen (down 10)

Drops down the rankings after failing to make the latest England squad but that only seems to have driven him onto rediscovering the form that earned him a Euro 2024 spot.

The 27-year-old has two goals and two assists for West Ham this season and if he can fire the Hammers forward then a return to the Three Lions is inevitable. 

33. Eddie Nketiah (up six)

A summer switch to Crystal Palace was made to secure more minutes and Nketiah is still adjusting to life on the other side of London since leaving Arsenal.

His solo England appearance came in a friendly against Australia last year and it's difficult to see that position changing unless Nketiah starts firing in the goals. 

34. Lewis Dunk (down one)

Did well when called upon by Gareth Southgate but is out in the cold now and unlikely to play for England again barring an injury disaster with so many others ahead of him.

Continues to be a pivotal figure at Brighton but at 32-years-old is now approaching the twilight years of his career. 

35. Reece James (down five)

James drops down after a past 12 months that have seen opportunities cruelly stolen away from him by repeat injuries. 

His talent arguably makes him England's best right-back but you have to play and James is yet to stay fit for a considerable run of games.

36. Raheem Sterling (up one)

Once the favourite of Southgate and Three Lions staff during England's dream run to the Euro 2020 final but since then has seen his national team chances decline to the point where it's hard to see a way back.

Moving to Arsenal for the season could be the key to unlocking more England chances again in the future. 

37. Adam Wharton (new entry)

Was a surprise passenger at the European Championship after making the final squad despite still being a relatively unknown character to Premier League fans.

The Crystal Palace midfielder is definitely a player for the future, but needs time to keep developing before being recalled. 

38. Fikayo Tomori (down two)

His performances for AC Milan last season caught headlines and made Tomori a strong candidate to fill Maguire's boots but has made some high-profile errors in big games that have left England unconvinced. 

39. Mason Mount (up one)

His move to Manchester United hasn't worked out for a myriad of reasons - most prominently injuries - and a player that was once an England regular looks like his Three Lions career could be over. 

40. Aaron Ramsdale (down 20)

Has endured a difficult start to life since joining Southampton from Arsenal and with so many other goalkeepers ahead of him it's hard to see where Ramsdale can earn another cap.