England’s Center Back Options for the 2026 World Cup

England has historically taken pride in building its success on the foundation of two solid center backs.

In 1966, it was the formidable pairing of Bobby Moore and Jack Charlton who led the Three Lions to its 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.

The 2000s brought another elite partnership, this time in the form of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand—two of the world’s best center backs who anchored England’s backline during a period that promised much but delivered little silverware.

More recently, however, England has lacked elite talent at center back. Thomas Tuchel has an abundance of solid, hard-working defenders in his ranks, but few genuinely stellar candidates to marshal the defense—as he’s discovered when selecting his 2026 World Cup squad.

Here is Sports Illustrated’s ranking of those England center backs journeying to North America.

Notable 2026 World Cup Omissions

“I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision,” Harry Maguire wrote on social media after learning of his omission. The Manchester United defender has some cause for frustration given several of the names selected by Tuchel, with Maguire’s consistently assured performances for the Three Lions not rewarded by another World Cup appearance.

Maguire is joined on an impressive list of absentees by Chelsea duo Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah. The former’s return from injury came just a week or two late into the season to be properly considered, while the latter’s form has dropped off after some encouraging displays under Enzo Maresca.

Ex-Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori continues to fly under the radar at Milan as he awaits his first appearance at a major tournament, while an injury-hit campaign has resulted in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite missing out entirely.

5. Dan Burn

Dan Burn certainly isn’t the most glamorous name in Tuchel’s setup, but his performances for Newcastle United over the past few seasons have been impossible to ignore.

In many ways, he’s a throwback defender—the type Walker and Butcher would be proud of. No-nonsense, fearless and always willing to put his body on the line, Burn epitomizes the old-school defensive spirit.

He’s been brought into the England fold since Tuchel took charge and has defied expectations by retaining his place for this summer’s North American adventure.

4. Jarell Quansah

Jarell Quansah only has one England appearance to his name, yet finds himself as one of just five central defenders in Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The German manager’s intimate knowledge of the Bundesliga has likely helped the ex-Liverpool defender’s cause.

Quansah has flown under the radar since leaving the Premier League, but enjoyed a hugely impressive debut season with Bayer Leverkusen.

Four goals caught the eye, as did Quansah’s composed displays both in and out of possession. Calm with the ball at his feet and boasting the athleticism to match top forwards, he’s earned his spot.

3. John Stones

John Stones has been England’s first-choice center back for some time now. Assured on the ball, thanks in large part to his development under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, he combines technical elegance with solid, tactically astute defending. At his best, few can match him in terms of ability.

A string of injuries have impacted his rhythm, with Stones failing to reach even 20 appearances for City this season courtesy of his fitness woes, and his regular absence looked set to affect his World Cup involvement.

However, Tuchel has backed reputation over form with Stones, whose experience and composure add another important dynamic to England’s backline.

2. Ezri Konsa

Ezri Konsa’s Aston Villa teammate Tyrone Mings had previously been part of the England setup, but a long-term injury saw the left-footed defender fall out of contention.

In Mings’s absence, Konsa stepped up in a big way at Villa Park—reaching new heights in his performances, and many felt his first senior England call-up in November 2023 was long overdue.

Now firmly part of the Three Lions squad each international break, Konsa’s versatility has been a major asset. Just as he has done for Villa, he’s shown his ability to slot in at right back when required, which played a key role in his selection for Euro 2024.

1. Marc Guéhi

Marc Guéhi stepped into the spotlight in Maguire’s absence at Euro 2024—and he absolutely seized his opportunity.

Widely regarded as England’s standout performer at the tournament, the Man City defender shut down some of the continent’s top attackers with a perfect blend of no-nonsense, old-school defending and the calm ball-playing qualities demanded of the modern game.

That form carried straight into 2024–25, where he captained Crystal Palace to a record Premier League points tally and helped deliver the club’s first-ever major trophy with their historic FA Cup triumph—a level he’s maintained impressively since moving to City.

Guéhi is comfortably England’s best center back option.

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