FA chiefs are standing by Kyle Walker - even though the Manchester City defender has accepted an out of court disposal order.
Gareth Southgate said they could “review” Walker’s place in the squad depending on the outcome of a police investigation. It follows video footage of Walker allegedly exposing himself during a drinking session.
England defender Walker attended a police station in Cheshire on Thursday on the same day he was named in Southgate’s squad for the Euro qualifiers with Italy and Ukraine.
Police are not pursuing criminal charges but the out of court disposal order means he has accepted unlawful behaviour, the exact nature of which has not been determined.
A statement from Cheshire Police said: “On Wednesday 8 March, Cheshire Constabulary was made aware of a video circulating on social media in relation to an alleged incident at a bar in the Wilmslow area.
“Officers have now concluded their enquiries which included speaking to those directly involved.
“A 32-year-old man from Prestbury voluntarily attended a police station for questioning on 16 March. He has been dealt with by an out of court disposal and the matter is now closed.”
Three Lions boss Southgate has stressed the need for players to observe high standards and the rap has put the spotlight on Walker again and will raise questions about player behaviour.
Southgate said when he announced his squad: "I don't want to go too much into hypotheticals but there was no conclusive reason not to select him in the squad.
"If that changes then we've got to review the situation and he would understand that as well, but at the moment we are where we are. I think whenever I speak with a player, that's always between myself and the player. I understand the additional scrutiny on the situation but I don't think I can answer that any differently."
City boss Pep Guardiola defended Walker after the original story earlier this month but has not put the 32-year-old in his starting line-up since the incident was reported. Walker could feature for City in Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final tie against Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.
"We [will] solve it internally, [and] speak with him," Guardiola declared at a press conference last Friday. "This is not the place to speak about a private situation."
Asked if he needed to reminded Walker of his responsibilities, he added: "No, I spoke with him but I don't have to remind [him]. We are adults. I'm not a father. I'm a friend of his … [After] seven years I know in the past many things happen, so he and everyone can count on me on the personal issues. Everyone.
"That's the important thing. I don't have to tell [him], 'Oh, you have to behave in that way'. Come on, he's an adult and that's all. Of course not just with Kyle, with everyone, I'm there. The club is there. All the time. Everyone has to feel it. When we are here inside I like to feel they can count on us in the good and bad moments."
