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 Lee Carsley taking over for the time being, 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 could help him find consistent first-team football in a team with lower expectations.

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 will find it tough to muscle his way into Arne Slot's starting XI, pushing him further down the pecking order for his country.

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.

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 Carsley and any future managers.

His versatility can't harm his England chances, though.

6. 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.

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, albeit he's struggled for an extended run in the side.

Livramento was a surprise inclusion in Carsley's first England squad for the September internationals, with the youngster having taken advantage of Kieran Trippier's late Newcastle return after Euro 2024.

5. Rico Lewis

Young Rico Lewis earned his first cap for England last November and it should be the first of many after featuring 27 times in all competitions during 2023/24.

Pep Guardiola has entrusted the versatile defender on the big occasion several times 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.

Carsley has evidently been impressed by the teenager, who has made it into his England squad for the September break.

4. 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. Can he really be trusted on a regular basis?

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

3. Ben White

Ben 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, was also omitted from Carsley's first England squad, suggesting the feud between the right-back and the national team persists.

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.

Whether he has any sort of future at international level remains to be seen.

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.

He was surprisingly left out of Carsley's squad for the September break after barely featuring for Man City in the opening weeks of 2024/25, There is little chance that his international career is over but it perhaps points toward a worrying trend for the veteran.

Carsley has opted for three attacking and exciting right-backs in his first squad and Walker doesn't fit that brief, no matter how impressive he can still be for club and country.

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent 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 may need to find a place for him soon if they want to turn from nearly men into champions.

Kieran Trippier's international retirement only boosts his England chances.

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