Manchester United have three contenders, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle, Everton and Bolton defenders battling for two spots.
England have the luxury of fantastic strength in depth in the centre-back position, but which two will get the nod next summer is anyone’s guess. Even tonight against Montenegro is uncertain. Will Capello give Phil Jones his international debut in the side’s most crucial of qualifying fixtures? Hereisthecity.com runs the rule over the contenders for next summer.
John Terry
England captain, if the tournament was starting next week, Terry would be certain to start. He has had a solid start to the season at Chelsea if unspectacular. He knows any dip in form between now and next summer could see him cast aside for a younger replacement.
Rio Ferdinand
Rio is the biggest doubt of the established centre-backs. His chances for England depend largely on his form for Manchester United, and if he can win back his place. So far this season he has been injury-prone once again, and had a loss of form, resulting in him being dropped ahead of tonight’s game. He could continue his hard luck story of never playing in a European Championship.
Chris Smalling
Smalling has a great chance of being in the squad next summer, and just as big a chance of being selected at right-back. He didn’t put a foot wrong when he played there against Bulgaria, and as there is less competiton for places that could be a solution. Great start to the season so far in both positions.
Phil Jones
Phil Jones has received so many plaudits after his start to life at Manchester United his head must be spinning. Its easy to forget he is just 19, he plays without fear and like a seasoned veteran. He still has much to learn, but it could be an inspired decision to select him next summer.
Gary Cahill
The Bolton man started the last game and even scored a goal. He will be unlucky to miss out this time, but his club performances this month have been uninspiring at best. The club have gone into freefall and he has been powerless to stop it. If he secures a move to a top club in January, he has a great chance of being picked.
Joleon Lescott
Lescott has been an ever-present in the England set up since 2008, but has failed to convince he is worthy of a place. With City moving up a gear to the next level, he faces the same personal challenge, and now in the Champions League he has the stage to convince Capello to select him.
Phil Jagielka
The Everton man must feel particularly hard done by that he has fallen down the pecking order. A year ago he was one of the main men at centre-back, keeping Rio out on merit, and deserves more chances to show what he can do.
Steven Taylor
Perhaps a surprise inclusion on this list, but anyone who has seen his displays for Newcastle this year will understand why. Marshalling the meanest defence in the country has seen the unfancied side rise to third in the table. Taylor is fulfilling his potential and is a former England under-21 captain. If he continues this form he has to be in with a shout next summer.
Other honourable mentions:
Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Ryan Shawcross.
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