England set their focus on the World Cup in 2026, with a trip to America promising a chance to end a 60-year wait for a trophy.
Plenty of players will be pushing for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s final squad heading to America, with some positions up for grabs.
Perhaps one of the most open spots in the team is at left-back, where there is no clear option for the side over the next few months.
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So, with that said, here’s a look at a ranking for each England left-back ahead of the World Cup.
8 – Ben Chilwell
Once an England and Chelsea regular, Ben Chilwell has struggled in recent seasons, with a lack of games coming for him.
Those difficulties have seen the left-back move on loan to the Blues’ sister club, Strasbourg in search of more game time.
With so many options ahead of him impressing in the Premier League, it seems tough to see a route back for Chilwell.
However, given his relationship with Tuchel from working together previously, there is always a chance.
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images7 – Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento is more comfortable as a right-back, but he could be an option to feature on the left if required.
The Newcastle star has shown impressive flashes on both flanks, having become a regular for the Magpies.
However, injury has impacted him and it’s unclear just how fit he will be over the next few months.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images6 – Dan Burn
Another star who could switch position is Dan Burn, as the Newcastle defender offers some versatility at the back.
While it’s more likely that the 33-year-old would be called up as a centre-back option, he has played at left-back when called upon.
He is the sort of defender who can lock down a flank, even though he doesn’t have the pace and agility of the others ahead of him in the pecking order.
Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images5 – Luke Shaw
Manchester United star Luke Shaw was once the guaranteed England left-back, even when he struggled with injury.
The defender has 34 caps for the Three Lions, as well as a goal in a major final for the nation.
However, injuries and a change of position to centre-back haven’t exactly helped his chances of getting into the squad again.
Given the quality he has, a run of form for Shaw could change things quickly, but it remains to be seen if that is possible.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images4 – Tyrick Mitchell
Crystal Palace have been in fine form under Oliver Glasner, so it’s no surprise to see plenty of their stars in the frame for an international call-up.
Among those is Tyrick Mitchell, who has impressed as a left wing-back in their system, offering plenty of attacking and defending qualities.
The 26-year-old has two England caps to his name so far, the last of which came in 2022.
There will be some hope that the three-year wait can come to an end soon, with some fine form in the Premier League.
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images3 – Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakout campaign last time out, but he is now fighting for his place at Arsenal.
That may be one thing standing in his way from taking up the England role over the next year, as he offers the ability to invert into midfield if required.
The 19-year-old has featured regularly under Tuchel, though he has warned that game time will be required.
Photo by Matt Lewis – The FA/The FA via Getty Images2 – Lewis Hall
Another of the Newcastle contingent, Lewis Hall, is eyeing up a place with the England squad next summer.
The former Chelsea man was regularly with the Three Lions, but injuries have hampered him over the past season.
When he returns, Hall is in line to compete for a place in the team, though the options around him are strong.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images1 – Djed Spence
Djed Spence has been a breakout star for England under Tuchel, with the Tottenham star proving his quality.
He is capable of playing as both a left-back and a right-back, offering the sort of versatility that can be useful to a squad.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Spence has plenty of pace, as well as quality in the attacking third.
That mixes well with his defensive ability, which puts him in pole position to take up the role next summer.