Shock: Walker admits he’d rather play at right-back

Matt Stead

Kyle Walker admits that he would rather “play right-back” for England, but will perform wherever he is selected.

Walker has established himself as one of the finest right-backs in Europe at Tottenham and Manchester City, playing a pivotal role in the latter’s Premier League title win this season.

He has been used more centrally in recent games by Gareth Southgate for England however, starting as a right-sided centre-half in a three-man defence.

While he would prefer to revert back to his regular role, he is simply happy to do “whatever I need to do for the team”.

“If you ask me where do I want to play, of course I want to play right-back,” he told PA Sport.

“I’ve worked my whole career to prove to myself that I can be the best in the world in my position. I feel like showcasing that at the World Cup would probably get me there but it’s about whatever I need to do for the team.

“If the gaffer feels me playing at right centre-half is beneficial to the team then why not? It’s still a relatively new experience for me, but it’s new tools in my toolbox.

“As long as I’m on the field that’s the main thing. If the gaffer feels I will improve the team playing there, I’m all for that.”

 

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