England's right-back options - ranked
- England have an array of excellent right-back options
- Kyle Walker has been most frequently used in recent years
- Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James offer attacking options
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 departing after losing another European Championship final with England and Thomas Tuchel now at the helm, questions regarding England's best right-back options will resurface.
Here's how 90min ranks the current runners and riders at right-back.
8. 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 have possessed in recent years and at present.
The former Manchester United defender was far from flawless during his time at Old Trafford but a move to West Ham United last summer has offered him the chance to develop outside of the harsh Mancunian spotlight.
Wan-Bissaka could still represent the Democratic Republic of Congo at international level, but his performances for the Hammers this season suggest it's not yet worth giving up on the England dream.
7. Rico Lewis
Young Lewis earned his maiden cap for England in November 2023 he's since played five times for his country.
Pep Guardiola has entrusted the versatile defender on the big occasion plenty since he emerged from Manchester City's academy, but the full-back has suffered amid a disappointing 2024/25 campaign for the perennial champions.
While he's a player Tuchel should appreciate, questions over his physicality and what exactly his best role is have come to the fore. The youngster certainly isn't out of the picture, but there are superior options at the new manager's disposal.
6. Ben White
White's slightly mysterious departure from the 2022 World Cup saw 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, was also omitted from interim boss Lee Carsley's squads but is reportedly open to a return to the international set-up following Tuchel's appointment.
While White's body of work in north London suggests he's one of the best right-sided defenders in the country, 2024/25 has been a forgettable campaign for him and he returned from knee surgery a month before the March internationals.
5. Djed Spence
Much of Spence's good work since he emerged as a starter in north London has come down the left, but the full-back's initial breakthrough in the Championship came as a flying right-back.
Spence has appeared sporadically down the right amid his majestic run of form over the past couple of months, and many believe he was harshly left out of Tuchel's first England squad given his versatility, two-way ability, and conviction of his own talent.
Spence has overcome plenty of adversity to merely thrust himself into England consideration, and he won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
4. 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 2024/25 season has pointed towards decline, with the Man City star opting for a new challenge midway through it.
Walker's now plying his trade at Milan after exiting the Premier League, but he has enough credit in the bank on the international stage to ensure that his England career is far from over yet.
3. 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 had initially been positive in glimpses but he's earned regular minutes this term.
The versatile full-back returned to the England set-up under Carsley, and his impressive form caught Tuchel's eye at the start of 2025. His ability to play down both flanks must doubtlessly intrigue the new manager, but he's a right-back by trade.
2. Reece James
James' worst enemy is his own body, with injuries once again wreaking havoc on his game time and development last season. As a result, he missed out on Euro 2024, where he could have been a real asset for England.
The defender struggled with injuries at the beginning of 2024/25 but has enjoyed a period of good health in the build-up to the start of England's World Cup qualifying campaign.
When fit, there are few better full-backs in the Premier League. James' power and technical ability make him a leading right-back (although Enzo Maresca has been intent on using him in midfield recently) 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.
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. 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 decline only boost his England chances.