It has long since been a problem position for England and one which we had expected the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to have made their own by now.
Indeed, one of the biggest challenges facing Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is finding a centre back pairing to take the team beyond next summer's World Cup.
Gary Cahill, at 31, is the current first choice, but the likes of Smalling and Jones have failed to impress when given a chance. John Stones is Cahill's most likely partner in the short term, but a trio of rivals have emerged this season.