The best Premier League players without an international cap | OneFootball

It’s been an international break to celebrate for some Premier League stars, with Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson among those to make their international debuts.

England’s top flight is littered with internationals, but there remains plenty of talent yet to make the breakthrough for their countries. We’ve picked out five of the best uncapped Premier League players.

Harvey Elliott – Aston Villa

Harvey Elliott has shone for England at youth level but has been unable to force a route into the senior side. Limited minutes at Liverpool have been a contributing factor, though a deadline-day move to Aston Villa could hand Elliott the regular opportunities he needs to impress Thomas Tuchel.

The 22-year-old was named Player of the Tournament as England won the u-21 European Championship in the summer and will have been watched closely by the senior set-up.

However, competition for a place is fierce, with Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Jarrod Bowen all operating from similar areas of the pitch.

Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace

After a modest start to his career at Crystal Palace, Jean-Phillipe Mateta has evolved into one of the most reliable goalscorers in the division. The Frenchman has scored 30 goals over the last two Premier League seasons for the Eagles and was a key part of their 2024/25 FA Cup success.

The 28-year-old represented France at youth level and starred as an overage player during Les Bleus’ silver-medal placing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He scored seven times in eight appearances for the Olympic side but is yet to earn a senior call-up.

Maxence Lacroix – Crystal Palace

Another Frenchman at Crystal Palace is bidding to break into one of world football’s most talented squads. Lacroix has been impressive since moving to South London from Wolfsburg, where his anticipation and recovery pace have stood out. Last season, he ranked among the Premier League’s top performers for clearances (7th) and interceptions (6th). In April, he confidently said he believes a France call-up will come.

“One day I will be in a national team – I know. But right now it’s to look at what’s happening in Crystal Palace,” the centre-back said.

Nico Gonzalez – Manchester City

Spain have produced a conveyor belt of top-class midfielders over the last two decades, with their engine room options the envy of world football.

Nico Gonzalez is yet to earn a senior call-up despite featuring regularly at u-21 level. After an underwhelming start at Manchester City, the 23-year-old will hope a more regular role can lead to international honours. Teammate Rodri, the Ballon d’Or holder and Spain vice-captain, is the perfect player to learn from.

Leny Yoro – Manchester United

The third Frenchman to feature, there are many who feel an international call for Leny Yoro is a matter of when and not if. Yoro has showcased his potential at Manchester United despite a turbulent period for the Red Devils since his arrival from Lille last summer.

Sven Botman – Newcastle United

The Dutch defence is stacked with talent, leaving Sven Botman still waiting for a first appearance. He has been called into the senior squad previously but has yet to earn his first cap for the Oranje.

Injury issues have impacted his chances, alongside competition from a centre-back group that includes Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake, Micky van de Ven, and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Read – Footballers with the most goals in a single international game

See more – Five Premier League players who shone in the international break

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok