England’s Centre-Back Conundrum: Ranking Tuchel’s Top Options

England has always prided itself on a robust defensive spine. From the legendary pairing of Bobby Moore and Jack Charlton who anchored the 1966 World Cup triumph, to the bloodied warriors Des Walker and Terry Butcher of the late 80s and early 90s, and the formidable duo of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in the 2000s, elite centre-backs have been the bedrock of the Three Lions’ success.

Ironically, despite Gareth Southgate overseeing England’s most consistent run of tournament performances in recent memory, a truly settled, top-tier centre-back partnership often felt elusive. Could a stronger defensive foundation have tipped the scales in those Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 final defeats?

Now, with Thomas Tuchel at the helm, a new era dawns, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed competition for places. Sports Illustrated dives deep into the German’s current options, ranking the contenders vying for a spot at the heart of England’s defence.

10. Taylor Harwood-Bellis: A Rising Star from the Etihad Academy

Manchester City’s academy continues to be a hotbed of talent, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, now excelling at Southampton, is a prime example. While Southampton’s 2024-25 campaign was marred by a leaky defence and eventual relegation, Harwood-Bellis shone brightly.

His composure, maturity, and consistent reliability often made him look a cut above his teammates. Interim boss Lee Carsley recognized his potential, handing him an England debut in November where he scored in a dominant 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland – a clear sign of a promising international future.

9. Fikayo Tomori: The Overseas Enigma

Fikayo Tomori’s situation feels almost unique. Despite establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most formidable defenders since his 2021 move to AC Milan – a significant achievement in Italy’s defensively revered league – he has been consistently overlooked by England.

Even Rio Ferdinand publicly questioned Southgate’s persistent exclusion, especially after Tomori played a pivotal role in Milan’s 2021/22 Scudetto triumph. Will Thomas Tuchel break this unwritten rule and give Tomori the chance he deserves? His talent certainly warrants it.

8. Jarrad Branthwaite: Everton’s Defensive Rock

Everton’s 2024-25 season, under both Sean Dyche and David Moyes, was defined by defensive resilience. They boasted the joint fourth-lowest goals conceded in the Premier League, an impressive feat outside the top half. This solidity was largely thanks to the partnership of James Tarkowski and the standout Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite’s towering presence, physical dominance, and composure under pressure make him equally adept at defending deep or stepping high. With just one England cap to his name, his rapid ascent suggests he’s firmly in contention for a regular spot if his upward trajectory continues.

7. Harry Maguire: The Dependable Veteran

Harry Maguire may divide opinion, but his commitment and performance for England in crucial moments have been undeniable. A stalwart since the 2018 World Cup, he has a knack for delivering commanding defensive displays and vital set-piece goals.

His absence from Euro 2024 due to a calf injury was a rare setback. With Southgate’s departure, his future under Tuchel is uncertain, but his proven track record on the biggest stages means he should not be underestimated.

6. Dan Burn: The Old-School Defender

Dan Burn might not be the flashiest name, but his consistent, no-nonsense performances for Newcastle have made him impossible to ignore. A true throwback defender, he embodies the fearless, body-on-the-line spirit that Bobby Moore and Jack Charlton would have admired.

Tuchel has already brought him into the England fold, and his unwavering commitment and defensive prowess suggest he’ll remain a valuable option for the Three Lions.

5. Trevoh Chalobah: Chelsea’s Resilient Fighter

Trevoh Chalobah’s 2024-25 season was a rollercoaster. Deemed surplus by Pochettino and then Maresca, he found himself in the “bomb squad” and loaned to Crystal Palace. Yet, less than six months later, Maresca recalled him after an impressive spell at Selhurst Park.

Chalobah promptly registered an assist on his return and continued to impress. He now faces a battle for places at Chelsea, but Tuchel, keenly aware of his capabilities, will undoubtedly value his resilience and talent.

4. John Stones: The Gifted Tactician

For years, John Stones has been England’s first-choice centre-back. His composure and technical elegance on the ball, honed under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, are complemented by his solid, tactically astute defending. At his peak, few can match his all-around ability.

However, recent injuries and positional uncertainty at City have raised questions. While his club role rarely impacted his England performances previously, a sense of being caught between systems seemed to affect him at Euro 2024. Despite this, Stones remains England’s most gifted centre-back. If Tuchel can restore his peak form and ensure fitness, he will be a cornerstone of the defence.

For more insights into England’s defensive options, check out this in-depth analysis from The Athletic.

3. Ezri Konsa: Aston Villa’s Versatile Asset

While Aston Villa teammate Tyrone Mings was once part of the England setup, a long-term injury opened the door for Ezri Konsa, who has since reached new heights. His first senior England call-up in November 2023 was widely seen as long overdue.

Now a regular in the Three Lions squad, Konsa’s versatility is invaluable. His ability to seamlessly slot in at right-back, as he does for Villa, played a key role in his Euro 2024 selection, highlighting his importance to Tuchel’s plans.

2. Levi Colwill: The Future of England’s Defence

Another Chelsea talent, Levi Colwill, enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 season. After a frustrating period at left-back under Pochettino, he thrived once moved back to his natural centre-back position by Enzo Maresca, largely excelling at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.

Colwill combines composure on the ball, blistering pace, physical dominance, and tactical intelligence with the rare and valuable trait of being left-footed. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs, notably shutting down attackers like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé. While occasional lapses in concentration still occur, they are becoming less frequent. His trajectory points towards a starring role for England in the very near future.

1. Marc Guéhi: England’s Current Best

Marc Guéhi seized his opportunity on the grandest stage, stepping into Harry Maguire’s absence at Euro 2024 and emerging as England’s standout performer. The Crystal Palace defender masterfully neutralised some of Europe’s top attackers, showcasing a perfect blend of old-school, no-nonsense defending and the calm, composed ball-playing qualities essential in the modern game.

This exceptional form continued into the 2024/25 season, where he captained Palace to a record Premier League points tally and led them to their historic FA Cup triumph – the club’s first-ever major trophy. Currently, Marc Guéhi stands as England’s best centre-back by a significant margin, a truly indispensable asset for Thomas Tuchel.

Published 5 Hours Ago by Barnaby Lane

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Over the years, he’s had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.