Walker dismisses Ferdinand’s criticism over positioning

Ian Watson

Kyle Walker won’t let Rio Ferdinand’s criticism over the England defender’s positioning affect his confidence.

Harry Kane dug the Three Lions out of a hole on Monday by glancing home a stoppage-time header to ensure a 2-1 victory against Tunisia in their World Cup opener.

Poor finishing would have been partly to blame if Gareth Southgate’s men had failed to win in Volgograd, while peculiar officiating would have also played a major role.

Walker was aggrieved to see a first-half penalty awarded against him when trying to block a player from reaching a cross.

Former England defender Ferdinand wasn’t impressed with Walker’s positioning: “He’s looking at his goalkeeper and that is criminal.”

The criticism didn’t ruffle Walker.

“It is a new position for me,” he said. “Of course I’m still learning.

“I’ve got great people next to me and especially the gaffer as well, who is coaching me and making sure I know key tips in certain areas of what I need to do when I’m in that position.

“But (Ferdinand) is entitled to his opinion. He wasn’t playing the game so that’s it.”