England's right-back options - ranked

Gareth Southgate has been spoilt with an array of gifted right-back options throughout his tenure as England boss.

The Three Lions' right-back riches has exemplified the emergence of elite talent within Southgate's senior squad. England now boast the quality across the board to compete with the world's best and they'll head into next summer's Euros in Germany among the favourites.

England's supreme right-back talent meant Southgate took four of them to Euro 2020, and those options remain available to the boss. However, a couple of spring chickens have also laid out their case for England consideration at the start of the 2023/24 season.

Here's how 90min ranks the current runners and riders at right-back.

8. Rico Lewis

Young Lewis earned his first cap for England in November 2023 having only featured sparingly for the Cityzens this season.

Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola has entrusted the versatile defender on the big occasion several times since he emerged from City's academy, with his display away at RB Leipzig in the Champions League group stage proving that he belongs at the highest level.

Utilised in a myriad of roles by Pep in Manchester, Lewis could be an experimental figure for Southgate. While an adept defender, the teenager has shown he's comfortable operating from a midfield position.

7. Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento was one of the breakout stars of the 2021/22 Premier League season before a devastating injury compromised his 2022/23 campaign.

Such a dynamic performer down the right flank, his major injury failed to deter Newcastle, who signed Livramento for £40m in the summer. His career on Tyneside has been positive in glimpses, albeit he is competing with the impressive Kieran Trippier for minutes.

However, he's an option Southgate will likely consider after Euro 2024.

6. Ben White

White's slightly mysterious departure from the 2022 World Cup has seen his stock plummet in terms of England consideration and he's supposedly refusing to take Southgate's calls.

The Arsenal defender, who enjoyed an excellent 2022/23 campaign having shifted over to right-back, has been overlooked by Southgate since, but there's no denying that he remains one of England's finest defenders.

He was a model of consistency for the title-chasing Gunners last term and has been crucial to Mikel Arteta's squad again this season.

5. Joe Gomez

Liverpool's injury woes this season have returned Gomez to prominence and the former Charlton starlet has emerged as Jurgen Klopp's utility man.

He's operated across Liverpool's defence and in a holding midfield position, with his impressive form seeing him return to national team consideration.

Gomez has been included in Southgate's squad for the March friendlies, and an absence of full-backs means he'll be expected to provide cover down both flanks.

4. Reece James

Reece James has become a favourite of Southgate's - and for good reason.

The Chelsea star has taken his game to the next level as a full-back, wing-back and even an auxiliary centre-back, with his momentum only being curtailed by some frustrating injuries.

Those spells on the sidelines have been all too frequent this season, with James having only featured for the Blues on nine occasions so far. However, if he can prove his fitness before the season concludes, he will likely be heading to the Euros.

3. Kieran Trippier

Trippier has some of the best delivery and set-piece ability of any active English player.

The former Tottenham and Atletico Madrid defender emerged as a cult hero following his antics at the 2018 World Cup, and while his profile is not as spectacular compared to England's alternate right-back options, his dependency has seen him blossom into a Southgate favourite.

Trippier was a fantastic addition for Newcastle United but his performances have been slightly questionable this season. However, he more than makes up for the odd lapse in concentration with his ability in the opposition half.

2. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best attacking right-back England have at their disposal.

Defensively, he still has some things to learn and room to improve, but he puts up astounding attacking numbers, especially since featuring in a hybrid midfield role for Liverpool.

He's also been utilised in the engine room by Southgate frequently, though it remains to be seen if such an ambitious ploy will be implemented at a major tournament.

Currently sidelined due to injury, Alexander-Arnold is expected to return for the run-in.

1. Kyle Walker

Despite a brief absence from the England squad a while back and even though he's the wrong side of 30, it remains impossible to look beyond Kyle Walker as a leading right-back.

Walker has been a key player for one of the best club sides that English football has ever seen over the last three years and has the versatility to play as a wide centre-back in a back three if needed too.

As long as he remains fit, he'll be in Southgate's squad.

READ MORE ON ENGLAND'S SQUAD OPTIONS AHEAD OF EURO 2024