England's right-back options - ranked

Gareth Southgate was spoiled with an array of gifted right-back options throughout his tenure as England boss.

The Three Lions' right-back riches were often the cause of much debate among supporters and journalists alike, with Southgate finding himself under pressure to ditch his favourites and replace them with more offensive-minded options.

With Southgate having now departed after losing another European Championship final with England and Thomas Tuchel taking over in the new year, questions regarding England's best right-back options will resurface.

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

9. Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Somewhat unbelievably, Wan-Bissaka has still never earned an England cap. That speaks to the quality and volume of right-backs that the Three Lions possess at present.

The former Manchester United defender has been far from flawless over recent seasons but a move to West Ham United over the summer has offered him the chance to develop a outside of the harsh Old Trafford spotlight.

Of course, Wan-Bissaka could still represent Democratic Republic of Congo at international level.

8. Joe Gomez

Liverpool's injury woes forced Gomez to play at both right-back and left-back last season and the versatile defender performed admirably in both positions.

So much so that he was called up to Southgate's Euro 2024 squad after several years away from the international scene, although he didn't play a single minute at the tournament as England were beaten in the final.

After speculation regarding his Liverpool future over the summer window, Gomez has found it tough to break into Arne Slot's team at the start of the 2024/25 season, diminishing his chances of catching Tuchel's eye.

7. Ezri Konsa

While a centre-back by trade, Konsa, much like Gomez, has been an option at right-back for club and country. At Euro 2024, the Aston Villa defender featured there late in matches as England looked to hold a lead but he also impressed as a starter against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

However, given England don't have too many excellent central defenders at their disposal right now, Konsa will still surely be favoured in the heart of defence under Tuchel, especially if the German operates with a back three.

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 supposedly refused to take Southgate's calls.

The Arsenal defender, who enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign, has also been omitted from interim boss Lee Carsley's squads and his England future is in major doubt.

However, he remains one of England's leading candidates on the right-hand side of defence and, theoretically speaking, should have little trouble walking into the squad.

Could Tuchel's arrival revive his international career?

5. Reece James

James' worst enemy is his own body, with injuries once again wreaking havoc on his game time and development in 2023/24. As a result, he missed out on Euro 2024, where he could have been a real asset for England.

The defender has struggled with injuries at the beginning of 2024/25 as well and faces a defining spell in his career for both Chelsea and England. A recent return to the Blues lineup offers hope for the talented defender.

When fit, there are few better full-backs in the Premier League. James' power, discipline and technical ability makes him a leading right-back and one that could offer England something unique.

Tuchel got the best out of James during their stint together at Chelsea and will be keen to develop the defender further with the Three Lions.

4. Tino Livramento

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

A dynamic performer down the right flank, his major injury failed to deter Newcastle United, who signed Livramento for £40m. His career on Tyneside has been positive in glimpses but he's starting to earn regular minutes at the beginning of 2024/25.

Livramento has been named in multiple squads under interim manager Carsley and boasts the tenacity, energy and attacking quality to thrive for club and country.

3. Rico Lewis

Young Lewis earned his maiden cap for England in November 2023 and it will be the first of many.

Pep Guardiola has entrusted the versatile defender on the big occasion plenty since he emerged from Manchester City's academy, and he has kicked off the 2024/25 campaign at right-back for the Premier League champions.

Lewis could well be a generational talent and his exposure to first-team football should increase further in the current season, with his ability to step into midfield highlighting his tactical intelligence as well as his immense technical ability.

2. Kyle Walker

Walker continues to split opinion at international level. He was the consistent first-choice pick for Southgate and has often proved reliable for the Three Lions despite lacking the same charm and wizardry of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The opening stages of the 2024/25 season have hinted at Walker's decline, with the Man City star seemingly losing a yard of pace in his mid-30s. With raw speed such an important part of his game, that's concerning for both Guardiola and Tuchel.

However, Walker has enough credit in the bank on the international stage to ensure that his England career is far from over yet.

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold is the best attacking right-back England have at their disposal, hence why Southgate regularly used the Liverpool man as a midfielder - with mixed degrees of success.

After Euro 2024, it seems that Alexander-Arnold's time as a midfielder for England is most likely over, but that shouldn't harm his chances of featuring for his country, After all, on his day, there is no better right-back in world football.

Defensive questions continue to be asked of the Liverpool star and he often finds himself under immense scrutiny - more so than other players in his position. But England need to find a place for him under Tuchel if they want to turn from nearly men into champions.

Kieran Trippier's international retirement and Walker's declining form only boosts his England chances.

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