The
World Cup is fast approaching and Gareth Southgate has a number of
important decisions to make in the upcoming months before he is set to
name his provisional squad for Russia in May.
The former Middlesbrough man has a number of options at right-back, but will probably bring only two along with him on the plane.
Here are five right-backs who could reserve their seats.
5. Nathaniel Clyne - Liverpool
In
years gone by it was a battle between Clyne and Walker as to who would
start for England. Unfortunately for Clyne, his chances of playing for
England at this summer's World Cup have been decimated by injury.
The 26-year-old
Liverpool defender sustained a serious back-injury in a pre-season game
in July which has prevented him from making a single appearance for
Jurgen Klopp's side since.
Consequently, there is virtually no chance that Southgate will include him in the Three Lions' World Cup squad.
Chances of playing: 5/10
4. Ashley Young - Manchester United
A
remarkable rejuvenation has seen Ashley Young recalled to the England
Squad for the upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and then
Italy.
The 32-year-old winger
turned full-back has ousted his more youthful compatriot Luke Shaw from
United's starting eleven with a number of fine performances this season.
Defensively, he is one of the few defenders who have been capable of
quelling the attacking threat of Liverpool and Premier League star Mohamed Salah.
Offensively, the former Aston Villa winger has scored two goals and provided three assists in the 22 league appearances he's made so far this campaign.
Young could well be on the plane to Russia in the summer but it won't be in the place of another right-back.
Chances of playing: 5.5/10
3. Joe Gomez - Liverpool
Captain of the England under-21 squad who reached the semi-finals of the European Championship
in the summer, Gomez was promoted to the senior squad when he made his
impressive debut against World Cup holders Germany in a goalless draw in
November.
The 20-year-old got off
to an impressive start to the season with Liverpool but his progress was
then disrupted by a number of injury setbacks.
Nevertheless, the
versatile Gomez has recently returned to Liverpool's starting lineup and
helped the Reds secure two successive clean sheets against Porto and Watford.
Over the course of the
campaign so far, the former Charlton player has made 19 league starts
for Jurgen Klopp's side, in which he has provided his team-mates with
two assists.
His return to first team
action has been a timely reminder to Gareth Southgate, who has since
called up Gomez for the upcoming friendlies.
Chances of playing: 7/10
2. Kieran Trippier - Tottenham Hotspur
Trippier
has enjoyed a mixed season with Spurs thus far. The 27-year-old started
the campaign as the starting right-back following Kyle Walker's move to
Manchester City, but Mauricio Pochettino has since rotated between the
England international and Serge Aurier.
Nevertheless, Tripper,
who has made three appearances for the Three Lions since his debut
against France in a 3-2 defeat in June, has still racked up an
impressive amount of four assists in just the 16 league starts he's made
so far.
Unfortunately for Tripper, one of his former teammates is likely to start ahead of him in June.
Chances of playing: 8/10
1. Kyle Walker - Manchester City
Nailed on to start in England's World Cup opener to Tunisia is Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker.
The former Spurs man has
been an ever-present figure for Pep Guardiola's table-toppers this
season, having started 28 of their 30 league games thus - in which he
has provided six assists.
Hailed as one of the
best attacking full-backs in the world by his prestigious boss, Walker's
pace coupled with his stamina offers a constant attacking threat down
the right side.
He might not be
England's most reliable defender but if Southgate is to persist with the
five-man defence he successfully tested in earlier friendlies against
Brazil and Germany, then Walker has to start.
Chances of starting: 9.5/10
