England’s centre-back options - ranked
- John Stones and Harry Maguire have been England's centre-backs at recent international tournaments
- Youngsters like Levi Colwill and Marc Guehi are potential long-term successors at the back
- Maguire has had a very mixed season at Manchester United
England seem to have generational talents in every position apart from one of the most important; centre-back.
Harry Maguire and John Stones have long been Gareth Southgate's preferred partnership in the centre of defence, with the former continuing in the Three Lions XI despite a turbulent period since Erik ten Hag's arrival at Old Trafford.
Young stars like Marc Guehi and Levi Colwill are beginning to come through, but who are Southgate's strongest options at the moment? 90min takes a look....
9. Fikayo Tomori
The hot topic of the 2022 World Cup announcement, Fikayo Tomori appears further down the pecking order than some may have thought despite his form at Milan being generally good.
The emergence of others hasn't helped Tomori's cause, with Southgate's refusal to give the former Chelsea man a run in the team somewhat bizarre. He has spent a lot of the 2023/24 season out injured and did not make Southgate's squad for the March internationals. Even if he were fit, it feels like it would take some special form for Tomori to be included.
8. Joe Gomez
You'll find Joe Gomez in this list, the right-back list, and the left-back list. The Liverpool man has enjoyed a successful 23/24 and is right back in the England conversation after a career dominated by injuries.
With Liverpool suffering plenty of fitness issues, Gomez has been used as a centre-back, a right-back and a left-back this season and fans have been surprised at just how useful he has been.
He was named in the squad for the March internationals so his versatility is clearly appreciated.
7. Jarrad Branthwaite
Branthwaite's centre-back partner, James Tarkowski, has often been in England consideration, but the young defender has outshone the veteran since emerging as a staple of Sean Dyche's defence.
The England Under-21 international has been a shining light for Everton, and he boasts a physical profile which suggests he'll be as adept defending deep as he would on the halfway line.
He is getting linked with some very big teams ahead of the summer transfer window, and earned his first senior call-up for the March internationals.
6. Ezri Konsa
Konsa's Aston Villa teammate, Tyrone Mings, has been a part of the England setup, but the left-footed defender's long-term injury has seen him thrust out of contention.
In his absence, Konsa has reached another gear at Villa Park and many believe his call-up to the squad for the November fixtures was long overdue.
The centre-back suffered a significant knee injury that kept him sidelined for some time, but he has recovered and was a part of the March squad. He has had minutes at right-back for Villa since returning so he can offer Southgate some versatility.
5. Lewis Dunk
Brighton's ascent up the Premier League ought to do wonders for Lewis Dunk, who showed off his cool and confident skills in the 3-1 win over Scotland last September.
The Seagulls captain had to wait five years for his second England cap after debuting in 2018 but opportunities should be much more forthcoming in 2024 as he continues to shine under Roberto De Zerbi's tutelage.
4. Levi Colwill
A strong 2022/23 season on loan with Brighton brought Levi Colwill firmly into the England discussion and he's since been a regular for Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, until the injury.
There's still plenty of development for Colwill to go through but the early signs are promising and he should be starting games frequently for England in the near future. Unfortunately for him, an injury saw him miss out on the March squad but he is still in a strong position generally.
3. Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi's decision to leave Chelsea has proved to be an inspired one. He's become a key player at Crystal Palace, captaining the side, and has now racked up nine appearances for the Three Lions.
Guehi's ease on the ball has helped England's build-up play during his early international career and he looks well set for a lengthy career at the top level. Unfortunately for him, he had knee surgery in early March and may only be fit for the last few games of the Premier League season.
It remains to be seen how his return goes and what Southgate thinks about Guehi compared to other options.
2. Harry Maguire
The patience of England supporters was firmly tested by Southgate's continued inclusion of Harry Maguire in his squads despite the 30-year-old's limited game time.
The former Leicester City star struggled for minutes at Manchester United at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, but returned to the starting lineup after a series of defensive injuries at Old Trafford.
Maguire took his opportunity with both hands, however, and has impressed for the Red Devils despite some recent injury concerns of his own. An injury curtailed his progress and he has not been as impressive since returning, but he is still expected to start at the Euros if fit.
1. John Stones
After some time in the wilderness a few campaigns back, John Stones has returned to the forefront of Pep Guardiola's plans.
Stones' England place has never been in serious doubt. He has always been reliable for Southgate and the Three Lions boss likes to reward consistency.
He's unlikely to play in his City pivot role at international level but that versatility is something that could work in Southgate's favour in the future. Despite plenty of injuries this term, he is guaranteed a spot at Euro 2024 if fit.
READ MORE ON ENGLAND'S SQUAD OPTIONS AHEAD OF EURO 2024
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