There should be an abundance of English quality on display during the 2026–2027 Championship season, which will be jam-packed with major clubs.
Burnley, Wolves, and West Ham all have domestic quality, and they will all be expected to compete for the championship with a number of formidable rivals.
A number of English players, including gifted players from Middlesbrough and Wrexham, were named to the Championship Team of the Season last season. However, who are FLW most excited to watch play next season?
The nine players to watch for the upcoming season are listed here, albeit several have a big asterisk next to their names due to the current transfer market.
9James Ward-Prowse – West Ham
Yes, many may see James Ward-Prowse’s name on the list and conclude that the midfielder is done, citing his lacklustre time with Burnley and Nottingham Forest, but at 31, he still has plenty to offer in the second division.
Ward-Prowse will return to West Ham this summer after his loan with the Clarets, and he could be the secret weapon that everyone has forgotten about.
Of course, his immediate future is questionable, and it is unclear whether the Hammers intend to keep him moving into the next season, but with Mateus Fernandes expected to leave, he could be an ideal alternative.
The midfielder’s dead-ball ability is exceptional, and with set-pieces becoming more important, he could be set for a comeback at the London Stadium.
8Callum Doyle – Wrexham
Wrexham’s Callum Doyle is one player who is on the rise, having been named to the Championship Team of the Season following a standout season.
The defender, who came through Manchester City’s academy, has always been regarded as a player with enormous potential, and he is now proving to be the star that was projected of him.
It’s alarming to think Doyle is only 22, given his EFL experience with Sunderland, Norwich City, and Coventry City, and he still has plenty of time to improve.
With the Red Dragons projected to be in the promotion race, expect the Englishman to take his game to the next level.
7Bobby Clark – Derby County
Bobby Clark’s permanent transfer from RB Salzburg to Derby County has been one of the more eye-catching deals of the summer thus far.
The Englishman spent last season on loan at Pride Park, where he made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring four and assisting four, and quickly established himself as an important member of John Eustace’s squad.
Clark played for Newcastle United and Liverpool as a kid and was seen as a player with significant promise, and Rams fans will be pleased that he is living up to the expectations in the East Midlands.
According to FotMob, the 21-year-old rated in the top three percent of Championship players in his position for successful dribbles last season, and he is expected to have another strong season in the second tier.
6Morgan Whittaker – Middlesbrough
Hayden Hackney may have stolen the show at Middlesbrough last season, but now that he has left for Everton, there is chance for another Englishman to take the spotlight.
The 25-year-old was initially underwhelmed when he signed from Plymouth Argyle in January 2025, but he improved last season and can take his game to the next level this season.
Last season, the winger scored 14 goals and seven assists as Borough advanced to the Championship play-off final, but he was unable to make an impact at Wembley Stadium.
If Whittaker can improve his numbers, he will undoubtedly be a contender for Team of the Season, and he will be determined to lead the Teessiders to the Premier League.
5Sydie Peck – Sheffield United
Sydie Peck’s influence at Sheffield United is growing, and with the Blades likely to improve dramatically next season, the central midfielder is poised to play a key role in their resurgence.
Despite the club’s problems last season, the 21-year-old had a promising campaign, scoring nine goals in 40 Championship outings.
On top of his performances, the midfielder’s underlying statistics are outstanding, with Peck winning more aerial duels than any second-tier player in his position last season, as well as having the greatest xG on target.
At 21, the former Brighton player has a terrifying ceiling, and he is expected to be one of the Championship’s top performers next season.
xz
