We all know the song. Well, given our prolific ability to churn out one top defender after another. Why not take a look at the depth the national team could have at its disposal for the next decade or so?
Here’s a look at the Boys in Greens incredible strength in depth at the heart of the defence…
Nathan Collins (Brentford, 23)
A leader in the senior side despite his tender age. Yet he has already amassed 26 caps since 2021. Now a mainstay in Brentford’s defence under the tutelage of talented coach Thomas Frank. Collins is earning rave reviews for his performances in the Premier League. If he’s this good now, imagine how good he will be when in his prime. Oh, and who could forget THAT goal?
Dara O’Shea (Ipswich, 25)
O’Shea just about makes it into this list. The Dubliner has amassed 32 caps at Senior level despite a horrific injury in Faro against Portugal. As versatile as they come, it’s no wonder his name is O’Shea.
Jake O’Brien (Everton, 23)
The road less travelled perfectly sums up O’Brien’s career to date. A late bloomer that eventually broke through at Cork City which led to a move to Crystal Palace. Loan moves to League Two with Swindon Town and then the Belgian second tier with RWD Molenbeek attracted the interest of French giants Olympique Lyonnais where the Youghal man continued his upward trajectory, earning a big money move to Merseyside. O’Brien will relish playing in Everton’s brand new 52,000+ seater stadium next season under David Moyes.
Andrew Omobamidele (RC Strasbourg, 22)
Possibly the Boys in Green’s most technically adept Centre-Back, the Leixlip man has been resolute to come back time and again from injury. After a move from Norwich City to Nottingham Forest proved less than fruitful due to the East Midlands club’s incredible 2024/25 season, Omobamidele has gone to Ligue 1. A sustained run of football will showcase just how big of a talent Omobamidele is.
James Abankwah (Udinese, on loan to Watford, 21)
Having just recently turned 21, Abankwah is perhaps the surprise standout shout for a Senior call up from 2024/25. A colossus at the back for the under-21s. Abankwah has really made a name for himself in the Championship since joining the Hertfordshire club in January. Technically adept, strong, pacy and loves a tackle as seen by his opening 30 seconds away to Derby County. Abankwah is right in contention to burst onto the big stage. Although the under-21s would certainly miss a player of Abankwah’s quality and personality.
Eiran Cashin (Brighton, 23)
After 144 appearances for Derby County, Cashin made the move to Brighton in January, signing a five and a half year contract. The left-footed centre-half would certainly add balance to the defence. However, having not seen any action for his new club, his senior debut may have to wait.
Mark McGuinness (Luton, 24)
The former Arsenal prospect has really put football first in the early years of his career. Not afraid to go on loan to gain experience and then leave home comforts with moves to Cardiff, Sheffield Wednesday (Loan) and in the summer of 2024, a move to Luton Town materialised. However, McGuinness probably did not expect a relegation battle in his first season at the Bedfordshire club.
Despite conceding 5 in his debut against England at Wembley, McGuinness showed his qualities, however the 6’4 sturdy defender is battling for a slot in the squad’s most competitive position.
Luke McNally (Bristol City, 25)
The former St Patrick’s Athletic defender left the greatest league in the world for League One in 2021. And after a quick spell at Ocxford United, McNally caught the interest of then Burnley manager Vincent Kompany. However, McNally was rarely used by the now Bayern Munich manager leading to a loan move to Coventry City where McNally helped the club reach the Play off final.
Another loan followed to Stoke City before a transfer to Bristol City where a host of Irish internationals now ply their trade. Unfortunately for McNally, timing is everything. He has just been ruled out for the remainder of the season with injury. But at 25, McNally still has plenty of time left.
Anselmo Garcia MacNulty (22, PEC Zwolle)
The 22-year-old has been an ever present for the Boys in Green at underage level since the age of 14. MacNulty was part of the squad that came ever so close to helping the Boys in Green qualify for their first ever U21 European Championships. In his club career, MacNulty has always sought to improve. After learning his trade with Real Betis and Wolfsburg, a loan to NEC Breda appeared and from there, Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle signed up the man with Clare roots.
Bosun Lawal (21, Stoke City)
After winning Watford’s academy player of the year in 2020-21. Lawal made the move to Celtic to continue his development. After being involved in their pre-season trip to the States, Stoke City acquired his services. Likely impressed by the youngster’s showing for Fleetwood Town and the Irish U21s. Equally adept in defence and midfield, at just 21 there is plenty of time for Lawal to make his mark in football.
So those are ten internationals to keep an eye on.
But they also have to compete with the likes of Shane Duffy (Norwich), John Egan (Hull City). Sean McLaughlin (Hull City), Conor Shaughnessy (Portsmouth), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), Warren O’Hora (Hibernian), Liam Scales (Celtic) and Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough) to name but a few.
That’s a whole matchday squad of 18 centre backs in the English Premier League, Championship, Scottish Premiership, Ligue 1 and Eredivisie.
We all dream of a team of a Gary Breens …