When it comes to full-backs, it would be fair to say England are a little bit lopsided.
So, you like right backs, eh? Well, have all the right backs in the world! Left-backs more your thing? Well, the news isn’t quite so good.
There’s a bit of quality and a bit of promise, but compared to the other flank where you’ve got about five or six Champions League standard players banging on the door, the talent pool is much less straightforward.
Let’s take a look at Gareth Southgate’s current left-back options.
Henry has emerged as a candidate for selection after some eye-catching performances at left-back for Brentford. The attacking defender has plenty of pace and enjoys forays down the flank.
However, Henry suffered a long-term knee injury which saw him miss the vast majority of the 2023/24 season. Thus, he’s got some work to do if he’s to work his way back into England contention.
The dynamic Alfie Doughty typified Luton’s courage and exuberance during their maiden Premier League bow.
A relentless customer down the Hatters’ left, Doughty excels one-v-one and is a creative force in the final third. He operates primarily as a wing-back, however, and the fact England are now operating with a back four could influence whether or not he’s considered for selection.
A Premier League move this summer would help his cause.
Had Dan Burn made his way to Euro 2024, he would undoubtedly have been the tallest left-back at the tournament.
Burn has been impressive at Newcastle United, thriving in a less natural role under Eddie Howe, however his lack of pace and large frame have resulted in some difficult afternoons at times.
With Southgate keen on his defenders primarily focusing on defensive duties, the former Brighton man could prosper if there are injuries.
Mitchell has been quietly climbing the pecking order at left-back and has already made his England debut. The Crystal Palace defender provides plenty of balance down the left flank and has been tremendously consistent for the Eagles.
While Mitchell is unlikely to be a player that gets pulses racing, he could prove to be a solid option for Southgate at some stage.
There are likely two factors that have stopped Levi Colwill from establishing himself as an England regular.
One, Chelsea were absolutely all over the shop after he returned to the club after a successful loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, and second, because the end of his 2023/24 campaign was cut short by injury.
Colwill is more naturally a centre-back – a progressive, ball-playing type – but can absolutely do a job on the left if asked to.
A hamstring injury ruled Chilwell out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and fitness concerns have always threatened to derail the Chelsea defender’s career.
Things were no different during 2023/24, with Chilwell again struggling to overcome injuries, and it’s starting to look like his England caps will be severely limited unless he’s able to turn a fitness corner fast.
Southgate opted against picking Chilwell in his Euro 2024 squad despite England’s dearth of natural left-backs.
Joe Gomez dropped out of England consideration for a number of years, last featuring in the national team setup as a centre-back.
But after reinventing himself at Liverpool as a defender more than capable of playing on both flanks, he’s understandably back in the mix as injuries continue to dog others.
With years of experience under his belt, Gomez is now a solid option and hi versatility will be valued in Germany this summer.
Another right-back on the left-back list? Nope, we’re not out of our minds.
Kieran Trippier has performed the role for England on numerous occasions, despite it not being his strongest suit, and is one of Gareth Southgate’s trusted lieutenants when little else seems to be working out.
Shaw secured his place in English football history by becoming the first player since Sir Geoff Hurst to score for the Three Lions in a major final at Euro 2020.
However, Shaw has struggled with injuries since then and was sidelined for significant periods during the 2023/24 campaign.
He’s undoubtedly England’s top left-back option, and despite being included in Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, Shaw faces a race against time to be fully fit for the start of the tournament.
