John Terry
Club: Chelsea
Caps: 50
Goals: 5
England and Chelsea captain, John Terry is the epitome of the old-fashioned English centre-back. He first rose to prominence in the 2001-2002 season for Chelsea and quickly formed a solid partnership with both Marcel Desailly and William Gallas (following Desailly's retirement). His England debut came in 2003 against Serbia and Montenegro under Sven-Göran Eriksson and he eventually ousted Sol Campbell as first choice England centre-back. He played every game at Euro 2004 before captaining the side for the first time in a World Cup Qualifier against Poland following the substitution of Michael Owen. His first goal came in that qualifying campaign against Hungary and he went on to play in all of England's World Cup 2006 matches, being named as the only English player in the tournament's All-Star squad. After Steve McClaren's appointment John Terry was named as permanent England captain as David Beckham had stepped down. He scored the first goal under McClaren against Greece before scoring the first England goal at the new Wembley against Brazil. Despite England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 under Terry's leadership, he was recalled as captain when Fabio Capello took over and will captain the side throughout the World Cup 2010 Qualifiers.
Rio Ferdinand
Club: Manchester United
Caps: 72
Goals: 3
A classy centre-back who never looks hurried and is known for his physical presence and composure on the ball. Rio first established himself at West Ham and made his professional debut in 1996. The following year he set the record for the youngest defender to play for England when he featured in a friendly against Colombia. He was selected as back-up for the World Cup in 1998 but was excluded by Glenn Hoddle after being charged with drink driving. He moved to Leeds United in a record-breaking £18 million deal in 2000 and established himself as part of England's preferred centre-back pairing, along with Sol Campbell in time for the 2002 World Cup. He scored his first England goal during the tournament against Denmark (although many sources claim it as a Thomas Sorensen own-goal). He missed England's Euro 2004 tournament after failing to attend a drugs test and was replaced by John Terry. Upon his return Ferdinand went on to form a solid partnership with the Chelsea man and the two have been seen as England's first choice centre-backs ever since. He captained the team for the first time in March last year but lost out to John Terry in the race to be permanemt team captain. He was, however, named as vice-captain. He missed the 4-0 victory against Slovakia due to injury but should be fit to start tomorrow.
Matthew Upson
Club: West Ham
Caps: 14
Goals: 1
Matthew Upson has only recently established himself as one of England's best centre-backs under Fabio Capello. After moving to Arsenal from Luton for £2 million, big things were expected from the young centre-back. But serious injuries and the form of Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure kept him from really breaking into the first team. His move to Birmingham proved successful as he broke into the England team for the friendly against South Africa in May 2003, making a further six England appearances during his time at St. Andrews. He moved to West Ham in 2007 and was named in Fabio Capello's first squad for a friendly against Switzerland. He was named in the starting line-up for the victory over Kazakhstan and then scored his first international goal against Germany during a 2-1 victory in November. He started the Slovakia match at the weekend but may find himself on the bench should Ferdinand be fit.
Joleon Lescott
Club: Everton
Caps: 6
Goals: 0
The versatile Everton defender started his career at Wolves before moving to Merseyside in 2006. His consistent performances over the past three years, and exceptional goal scoring record for a defender, have lead to England call-ups in recent times. His preferred position is Centre-back, but the form of Phil Jagielka and Joseph Yobo at Everton have seen him fill the left-back position admirably. He made his senior England debut in 2007 against Estonia and made his first start in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia. He started against Austria once more and has been consistently selected by Capello but may struggle to find his best position for England.
Phil Jagielka
Club: EvertonCaps: 2
Goals: 0
Another versatile Everton defender, Jagielka's fine club form has been recognised by Fabio Capello in recent months. He made his international debut against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008 and started the defeat to Spain in February. His international career is just starting and his club form has been keeping fellow England squad member Joleon Lescott from the centre-back position at Goodison Park. He may prove to be useful for England in a number of positions having played many games all along the back four as well as in midfield and even in goal.
Ashley Cole
Club: ChelseaCaps: 70
Goals: 0
Under all the media controversy surrounding his off-the field antics lies the general consensus that Ashley Cole is one of the finest left-backs in the world. The man who Thierry Henry claimed was even quicker than himself while at Arsenal, Cole has dealt with some of the world's best right wingers with relative ease and his pace is a major asset down England's left. His form at Arsenal brought him an England call-up in 2001 against Albania and he went on to feature consistently for the national side, playing in both the World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004. He was one of four England players selected in the Team of the Tournament for Euro 2004 and then was ever-present during the World Cup in 2006. He signed for Chelsea following the tournament in controversial circumstances but injuries have blighted his time there. Nevertheless, Cole remains one of the most important and consistent figures in England's backline and doesn't look like relinquishing his place any time soon.
Glen Johnson
Club: PortsmouthCaps: 12
Goals: 0
Perhaps England's natural successor to Gary Neville at this moment in time, Johnson combines his defensive skills with a willingness to get forward and help the right winger. In recent times he has caught the eye scoring some spectacular goals for Portsmouth. Johnson started his professional career at West Ham and made his Premiership debut in 2003. Her made his full England debut during his time at West Ham, replacing Gary Neville at right-back but did not feature again under Sven-Goran Erikkson or Steve McClaren. At the end of that season, after West Ham were relegated, he became the first purchase of the Roman Abramovich era at Chelsea, moving for £6 million. He featured fairly regularly for Chelsea under Claudio Ranieri but not so for Jose Mourinho. He was loaned out to Portsmouth in 2006 where he began to flourish under Harry Redknapp. He was eventually sold to Portsmouth permanently and has since made the right-back position his own. His form on the south coast earned him a call-up from Fabio Capello in January 2008 and he has featured regularly in England squads ever since.
Leighton Baines
Club: EvertonCaps: 0
Goals: 0
Yet to make his England debut, Baines has impressed for both Wigan and Everton at left-back. Known for his accuracy from free-kicks, Baines has been a regular starter for the under-21s for many years and now his talent has been recognised by Fabio Capello too. He may struggle to force Ashley Cole from the starting team but he is an adequate replacement and still has his best years ahead of him.
Who should start?
England's back four is fairly settled these days, with the possible exception of the right-back spot. As captain and vice-captain John Terry and Rio Ferdinand must play. They are England's best centre-backs and very rarely put in a poor performance for club or country. Matthew Upson, Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott are all adequate substitutes but perhaps lack the necessary experience. The likes of Micah Richards, Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and perhaps even Hull City's Michael Turner also deserve some international game time. Ashley Cole has made the left-back spot his own and I can not see Leighton Baines challenging his supremacy any time soon. Should Wayne Bridge regain his form at Manchester City then I can see him, not Baines, being Cole's understudy for the time being. Ther right-back spot is up for debate. Glen Johnson has done well there recently and I see no reason why he should not be allowed to continue. However, with Gary Neville coming back to fitness, Micah Richards looking solid again and Wes Brown an excellent replacement, it may be tough should he find himself playing poorly.
My back four would be:
Johnson Terry Ferdinand A. Cole
These four offer England defensive stability from the centre-backs as well as an attacking force down the flanks. Glen Johnson is effective when teamed with Aaron Lennon down the right but also adds an attacking dimension to England's game when David Beckham is playing. Ashley Cole has blistering pace and good defensive awareness so his inclusion was never in question. England should be able to ask the Ukranians plenty of questions playing with this back four, as well as being able to deal with most of what the forwards will throw at them.
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