Kyle Walker has admitted he is inferior to Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold at crossing the ball. All three right-backs were named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
The Manchester City defender - appearing at his third major tournament for the Three Lions - was selected despite not featuring since early October with a groin injury. Walker and Trippier played a key role in England’s successful World Cup 2018 and Euro 2020 campaigns.
Former teammates at Tottenham Hotspur, the Newcastle United talisman played second fiddle to Walker for most of his time in North London. However, when he left to join City in 2017, this allowed Trippier to emerge as an elite right-back.
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Alexander-Arnold, too, is another standout option at Southgate’s disposal. An abundance of riches in this position has triggered many debates among pundits and supporters about who should start the opener against Iran.
Ahead of the tournament, Walker has honestly spoken about where his strengths lie as a defender. Speaking to England’s media channel, the 32-year-old was asked which part of an international teammate’s game he would take.
"Trent (Alexander-Arnold), (Kieran) Trippier or (James) Ward-Prowse’s delivery of a football,” Walker said. "They are unique players in that they can put it on a sixpence. Nine times out of ten it leads to a goal.
“Providing more assists (what Walker hopes to achieve). I would like to get a little bit further forward and get the balls into the box a little bit more. My position at (Manchester) City is more for the transitions than setting up goals. We are very fortunate that we have a lot of players who can set up goals without me going up there but, if I could add that to my game, I would be right up there."
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