Ranking England's Right-Back Contenders: Who Deserves the Starting Spot?
Gareth Southgate enjoyed an abundance of talented right-back options throughout his tenure as England manager.
From reliable, defensively robust choices like Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker to attacking-minded players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James, the selection was extensive. However, Southgate frequently favored the former approach—a strategy that consistently divided supporters and analysts.
Now, with Southgate's era concluded and Thomas Tuchel taking control—a manager renowned for utilizing a three-at-the-back formation in possession during his Chelsea tenure—England may be entering a fresh, more offensive phase.
Considering this shift, Sports Illustrated evaluates the Three Lions' present right-back alternatives.
8. Kyle Walker-Peters
Kyle Walker-Peters may not represent the most exciting choice for Tuchel at right-back – considering he was part of the Southampton squad that suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2024–25.
However, make no error: the English defender was a true bright spot in that struggling outfit. His displays initially secured England call-ups in 2022, when the Saints were performing somewhat better, and they were compelling enough for West Ham United to acquire him following Southampton's descent to the Championship.
An adventurous ball-carrier and distributor, Walker-Peters excels when pushing forward—not merely delivering crosses but also penetrating the penalty area with skillful runs. He possesses genuine technical ability, and Tuchel would be foolish to dismiss him simply due to his recent club affiliation.
7. Rico Lewis
Rico Lewis secured his debut England appearance in November 2023 and many more caps likely await him in the future.
Pep Guardiola has relied on the adaptable full-back in crucial matches since his Manchester City breakthrough, though he hasn't consistently performed—especially during 2024–25, when he faced difficulties in what proved a challenging season for the regular title winners.
Although Lewis represents the type of player Tuchel should value, doubts persist regarding his physical presence, optimal position, and propensity for crucial mistakes or positional lapses. He continues developing but has youth on his side to address these shortcomings.
6. Djed Spence
Djed Spence has predominantly operated at left-back for Tottenham—but it's important to recall that his original Championship emergence occurred as an attacking right-back.
He's continued appearing on the right recently, and many believed he was unfairly excluded from Tuchel's inaugural England squad considering his adaptability, two-way capabilities, and unwavering confidence.
Spence has conquered considerable challenges simply to reach England consideration. Having achieved that status, he appears unlikely to fade from the discussion anytime soon.
5. Ben White
Ben White's enigmatic exit from the 2022 World Cup—and subsequent refusal to represent England under Southgate, allegedly ignoring the manager's contact attempts and citing "personal reasons"—caused his national team reputation to plummet.
At Arsenal, however, White has repeatedly demonstrated—aside from an injury-plagued 2024/25 season—that he ranks among the nation's finest right-sided defenders: composed, steady, and reliable.
With Southgate departed, White reportedly stands ready to rejoin the setup, and Tuchel has already suggested he features in future plans. Should White reproduce his Arsenal displays internationally, those who criticized his withdrawal decision might eventually forgive and move on.
4. Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker has consistently sparked debate at international level. A regular under Southgate, he provided dependability and defensive strength to the Three Lions, even if he lacked the creativity and attacking flair of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The 2024–25 season, though, suggested decline. Mid-campaign, Walker transferred from Manchester City to AC Milan—a switch that proved both short-lived and disappointing.
Now at newly-promoted Burnley, his displays may no longer reach peak levels, but his extensive experience and England record suggest his international journey isn't finished.
3. Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento presents a fascinating prospect for England—and Tuchel—in multiple aspects.
Firstly, his natural offensive instincts. Livramento relishes surging forward, overlapping with speed and delivering threatening crosses—qualities that theoretically suit Tuchel's preferred approach perfectly. Importantly, he's also defensively sound, providing balanced flank coverage.
Secondly, he's genuinely comfortable on either flank, having switched between right and left-back for Newcastle during Lewis Hall's injury period and subsequent return. This flexibility virtually ensures squad inclusion, even if not always as first-choice right-back—because somehow, Livramento will secure playing time.
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is undoubtedly England's premier attacking right-back—which explains why Southgate frequently tested him in midfield, with varying success.
Under Tuchel, however, that experiment appears concluded. The Real Madrid star must now compete for a starting role in his natural position, and Tuchel has already emphasized that attacking prowess alone won't guarantee selection.
"I can observe that sometimes he depends heavily on his attacking contributions, and doesn't place sufficient emphasis on defensive discipline and commitment," the occasionally blunt German stated. "This significant influence that he maintained for Liverpool across many years, if he desires this influence with the English national team, then he must treat the defensive aspect very seriously."
The responsibility now rests with Alexander-Arnold. Heed Tuchel's guidance, and the right-back position could remain his for years. Disregard it, and the German may seek alternatives.
1. Reece James
Reece James' greatest challenge isn't any adversary—it's his physical condition. Injuries have consistently disrupted his development over recent years, preventing his Euro 2024 participation and sidelining him for extended periods during Chelsea's domestic seasons.
When healthy, however, few full-backs worldwide match his completeness. James blends physical strength with technical excellence, creating constant attacking threats while proving extremely difficult to overcome defensively. Include his set-piece danger, and you have a defender with every attribute.
Tuchel understands precisely how to maximize James' potential from their Chelsea collaboration, and he'll be keen to replicate this success with England. A solid, injury-free period in 2024/25's latter half indicates this might finally be achievable.