Who is England's best right-back?

The ongoing debate about which left-back is better; Ashley Cole or Leighton Baines will no doubt rumble on throughout the season and beyond. But at right-back, England boss Roy Hodgson faces an even more difficult decision.

Here are the contenders

Glen Johnson

England's right-back at the last two major tournaments, missed the San Marino game through suspension and could return tonight in Poland. Johnson can be eye-catching going forward, and perhaps his defensive 'troubles' are overblown at times; he did well at Euro 2012, but he regularly leaves fans feeling nervous. At 28 he has over 40 appearances for England, and is the most experienced option available.

Kyle Walker

Who knows if Walker, 22, would have got the nod for England at Euro 2012 had he not suffered an injury, but his entire debut season for Spurs last year was excellent. He played against San Marino in the easiest of games on Friday, and can expect several opportunities in the future. At present he is the nearest challenger to Johnson, and many feel he should in fact be the number one choice.

Micah Richards

Micah Richards' absence from the international setup in recent years has been a mystery to most, Fabio Capello certainly didn't rate him, whereas most of the watching country did. He didn't help himself by rejecting a standby spot for Euro 2012, which would have given him an opening after Walker's injury, but he featured at the Olympics as an overage player for GB. His biggest problem now is holding down a regular club place, with Zabaleta and Maicon as competition, and was last seen in central defence for City.

Martin Kelly

Martin Kelly was the man who did benefit from Walker's injury, called up into the Euro 2012 squad, and clearly the Liverpool defender is one Roy Hodgson rates. He has even been picked in the position ahead of Glen Johnson for his club this season, forcing Johnson to play at left-back. Just 22, he is improving all the time, and can't be dismissed from the argument.

Phil Jones/Chris Smalling

Yes we are including these two together, as they are both options for England if needed, with Jones more impressive there than in the centre for his club last season. Predominantly though both are centre-halves, and would not see their long-term future in the position, but if you want a player with a good defensive grounding to play right-back, look no further.

Carl Jenkinson

Carl Jenkinson last night announced his intention to be considered for England, rather than Finland for who he is also eligible, and there has been much talk recently of a call-up by Hodgson. Indeed if England weren't so blessed with options it might have already happened, because his form this season for Arsenal has been excellent, and Bacary Sagna faces a real challenge to get back into the starting line-up.

What's your verdict? Who is England's best right-back?

image: © Alfonso Jimenez