England has historically taken pride in building its success on the foundation of two solid centre backs.
In 1966, it was the formidable and legendary pairing of Bobby Moore and Jack Charlton who led the Three Lions to their first—and still only—World Cup triumph.
Fast forward to the late 1980s and early '90s, and under Sir Bobby Robson, England enjoyed another golden, if ultimately trophyless, era with Des Walker and Terry Butcher—two bloodied warriors and defensive titans from a bygone age—at the heart of defence.
The 2000s brought another elite partnership, this time in the form of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand—two of the world’s best centre-halves who anchored England’s back line during a period that promised much but delivered little silverware.
Ironically, in more recent years, despite Gareth Southgate overseeing arguably England’s most consistent spell of tournament performances, a reliable, top-tier centre back pairing is something they’ve lacked. Had that final piece of the puzzle been in place, perhaps those runner-up finishes at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 might have ended differently.
Now, with Thomas Tuchel taking the reins and a new era underway, have ranked the German’s current options at centre back.
