England’s centre-back options - ranked

One position that has been a consistent concern for England over recent years is centre-back.

Harry Maguire and John Stones were Gareth Southgate's most frequent partnership during his tenure but the departure of the former England boss opens the door for some less experienced centre-backs to stake their claim.

England do have exciting young options at the heart of defence and they will be hoping to thrive under new boss Thomas Tuchel, an elite-level manager with exceptional pedigree and tactical acumen. The German manager often utilises three central defenders, too.

90min takes a closer look at England's best central defenders.

11. Jarell Quansah

Jarell Quansah emerged as one of the Premier League's breakout stars last season, shining alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool's defence.

The 21-year-old outperformed Ibrahima Konate down the stretch, with his stellar displays being rewarded with a call-up to Southgate's 33-man training camp squad ahead of Euro 2024.

Quansah didn't make the final cut and an underwhelming start to the 2024/25 campaign hasn't helped his cause. Still, he has a bright future.

10. Max Kilman

There's a reason West Ham United were willing to part ways with £40m to sign Max Kilman during the most recent summer window, with the 6'4 centre-back having dazzled during his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Kilman has represented England at senior international level but in futsal rather than football. That prevented him from playing for Ukraine, whom he was also eligible to represent, meaning he is still able to don an England jersey.

Capable on the ball and solid defensively, Kilman is a great option - even if he's struggled in a sub-par West Ham side.

9. Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Manchester City's academy has produced some gems in recent years, even if they often end up thriving away from the Etihad Stadium. Taylor Harwood-Bellis is one of said prospects having now joined Southampton on a permanent basis.

Despite the Saints' disappointing beginning to 2024/25 - both defensively and offensively - Harwood-Bellis has stood out for his performances in the heart of the backline.

Called up to the England squad for the November international break, the 22-year-old has a promising future ahead of him.

8. Lewis Dunk

Brighton & Hove Albion's ascent up the Premier League did wonders for Lewis Dunk, who has earned semi-regular minutes for England in recent times

Dunk hasn't exactly shone in recent outings for his country but he remains in and around the squad due to his leadership qualities and never-say-die attitude.

He was a member of the Euro 2024 squad but has not received a call-up under interim boss Lee Carsley.

7. Fikayo Tomori

Fikayo Tomori's international career has undoubtedly been impacted by his decision to leave the comforts of English football and join AC Milan in Serie A. Despite his impressive spell with the Rossoneri, caps have been hard to come by for the former Chelsea defender.

Tomori, who also represented Canada at youth level, has made just five appearances for England and has seldom had a look-in during recent international breaks.

Time remains on Tomori's side and the arrival of the continental Tuchel will likely help his cause moving forward.

6. Jarrad Branthwaite

Jarrad 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 towering centre-back has been a shining light for Everton, and he boasts a physical profile which suggests he'll be as adept at defending deep as he would on the halfway line.

He was also a member of the 33-man preliminary squad for Euro 2024 and many were surprised at his omission from the final roster.

5. Ezri Konsa

Ezri 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 maiden call-up to the squad in November 2023 was long overdue.

He is now firmly a part of the Three Lions' senior set-up and his versatility was a major reason for his Euros selection. As he has done for Villa, Konsa has featured at right-back on England duty.

4. Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire is never going to be universally loved, but he has never let his country down on the big stage.

He's been a staple of England squads since 2018 and was unfortunate to miss out on Euro 2024 with a calf injury. Southgate's departure does throw his future into some doubt, especially with Tuchel coming into the Wembley dugout.

Interim boss Carsley has insisted that Maguire still has a future with the national team but it remains to be seen whether Tuchel agrees.

3. Marc Guehi

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 a number of 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 was the standout performer for his country at Euro 2024, sparkling in place of Maguire.

The exciting thing for England is that Guehi is only going to improve in the years to come, with his ability to play of the left side of defence also significant.

2. 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 at Chelsea. That is unlikely to change under Enzo Maresca providing he can stay fit.

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 over the next few years.

Unfortunately for him, injury saw him miss the Euros, but he has the ability to stake his claim for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad under former Chelsea boss Tuchel.

1. John Stones

After some time in the wilderness a few campaigns back, Stones has returned to the forefront of Pep Guardiola's plans.

Stones' England place has never been in serious doubt. He was always reliable for Southgate and the former Three Lions boss rewarded him with regular minutes.

His complex Manchester City role is unlikely to manifest on the international stage, but that versatility is something that certainly doesn't harm England's chances of success.

At his peak, he is still comfortably England's best option.

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