When it comes to full backs, it would be fair to say that England is a bit skewed.
A fan of right-backs? Have as many as you want, friend!
We’ll even keep some of them in midfield for some reason we have so many. Reece James has had to play one of the best footballs of his career just to get into the conversation, and there is so much quality competition that Aaron Wan-Bissaka has almost completely given up on an England quay.
Left backs your thing more? Well … the news is not as good, but things are gradually improving.
There is a bit of quality and a bit of promise, but compared to the other flank where you have about five or six standard Champions League players knocking on the door, the talent pool is much less simple. Instead, the options are players who have not yet made a complete breakthrough and veterans who probably played their latest England game some time ago.
Fortunately for the left-wing enthusiasts who follow English football, here is an exhaustive list of runners, riders and shots from outside for a left-back in England’s squad.
One of Southgate’s most inexplicable decisions was to put Trippier to the left Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno / Getty Images
One of the most obviously right-footed players I have ever seen, he is simply not a left-back (cc: Gareth Southgate).
Taylor has been a regular for Burnley in the Premier League for several years now James Williamson – AMA / Getty Images
Although she has a reputation as part of the revolving door for Burnley defenders in agriculture, Taylor has some experience in international football – having been removed for England in the 19s after graduating from Leeds’ famous academy.
The solid left back will probably not call, remember.
Williams played for England U21 in October | Alex Caparros / Getty Images
This time last year, Williams looked like an exciting shot from the outside to make the Euro squad after a clean-up performance on his Premier League debut against Brighton led to a clean-up in the Manchester United side.
However, he is well behind Luke Shaw and Alex Telles in the breeding order for Old Trafford, and has a long way to go before he returns in battle for an England nod.
A Bundesliga loan can only be the ticket to Sessegnon | DeFodi Images / Getty Images
For many years, Sessegnon looked like one of the safest bets in English football, especially after scoring 15 goals in the championship at the age of 17.
Although Spurs boss Jose Mourinho compared him to Ashley Cole almost immediately after taking the losers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, injuries and a lack of confidence have held back Sessegnon’s development.
He wants to compensate for time spent at Hoffenheim, but was part of England’s latest Euro disaster in 21 years.
? Danny Rose in action for the 23rd century pic.twitter.com/YJiOAM6VVX
– Lilywhite Rose (@Lilywhite_Rose) November 6, 2020
You’ve probably seen that scene from Tottenham’s documentation of all or nothing, and you may well have seen Sergio Reguilon go up and down the left flank of Lilywhites.
Both of these things lead to the conclusion that Danny Rose will probably not play for Spurs again, let alone England.
Delph started at left-back for one of the best teams of all time (no, not Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton side) | Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
It has always been quite entertaining how Delph, who plays at left-back, has been portrayed as a kind of funny gimmick rather than a rather impressive adaptation to one of football’s most positionally demanding roles.
That being said, he is not getting enough playing time at Everton right now, although the need to protect Lucas Digne’s condition could change that.
I’m serious! | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Young refused to retire directly from international duty, and when he is at his best for Inter, it is easy to see why – he remains an extremely capable player with an upper left foot and an even better delivery of deadlock.
He once dominated Marco Asensio during Inter’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, but his playing time is already declining in the world fashion capital.
What’s your beef with Bertrand, Gareth? | Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
Crazy facts: Ryan Bertrand has been playing professional football since 2006.
One of English football’s most consistent artists has never been much favored by Southgate, having been dropped from the 2018 World Cup squad, but there is no denying that he will continue to be on the verge of selection as long as he stays in Southampton.
Justin is out for the season with injuries to his knee ligament Michael Regan / Getty Images
The lack of real quality depth can be highlighted with this post.
Not because James Justin is a bad player, far from it. In fact, he looks like a fantastic prospect and would probably have knocked on Gareth Southgate’s door in England if he had not suffered a serious knee injury.
But that’s the thing. Justin suffered a long-term injury, will miss the rest of Leicester’s Premier League season, the Euro tournament and is still England’s sixth best choice! Yikes.
Saka was widely praised for his contribution to Ireland Pool / Getty Images
One of the most exciting youngsters England has produced in several years, Bukayo Saka is actually no left-back.
Well, he started as a left back, moved to wingback, played in midfield and then turned over to the right wing. I understand? Good.
Saka was superb against Ireland when he played on the hill, won Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty in a fantastic way and generally embarrassed himself. It’s not his ideal place, but it’s a job he can do more than he can.
Targett has had good contact for Villa | Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
There was a bit of mockery and laughter when Aston Villa signed Matt Targett, as many assumed that his inability to get rid of Ryan Bertrand in Southampton meant that he was not so good.
On the contrary, Targett was decent on loan at Fulham, and that led Dean Smith to take him to Villa Park. He has been very steady since he arrived, although he is much better in the future than elsewhere.
A pretty impressive comeback story Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
If there’s one thing everyone in the world can agree on, it’s Aaron Cresswell who is a bloody brilliant player to have on your Fantasy Premier League page.
His resurgence has somehow come from nowhere, not least because Cresswell, after a promising start to his Premier League career, has been downright awful for the majority of recent years.
But the man who, crucial for Southgate, can also play on the left side in a back three, has played himself back in contention for a Euro place by helping West Ham knock on the door to European qualification.
Chilwell has seamlessly adapted to life at Stamford Bridge | Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
Ben Chilwell is potentially one of the best left-backs in the world.
Excellent to carry the ball, he has good technique when delivering a cross or shooting, and, as Saka eventually comes, has seriously strengthened his defensive technique.
The concern is that he has been in and out of Chelsea’s side since Thomas Tuchel came and made room for * control notes * Marcos Alonso. Still, the benefit of the doubt and all, Chilwell is class.
It’s you, Lukey Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
Luke Shaw has risen to the top of England’s list of alternatives and with good reason.
After years of struggling for form after a terrible injury, the former Southampton man has finally delivered his potential. Manchester United fans have been divided on Shaw for some time, but since Alex Telles’ arrival, he has increased his game significantly.
Not only is he back in Southgate’s good graces, he’s one of the season’s Premier League players – very impressive things.
