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Kyle Walker says playing centre-half for England is 'a bit of a step back' but is happy to sacrifice himself

Kyle Walker fears the decision of England manager Gareth Southgate to play him out of position has resulted in his international career taking a step backwards.

The Manchester City star has admitted he would rather not be playing at centre back for England, but insists he is happy to sacrifice himself for the sake of Southgate's plans.

The defender is a certain starter for England, but he is set to be deployed on the right side of three centre backs with former Tottenham team-mate Kieran Trippier in pole position to play in Walker's preferred role as a right back.

Walker is recognised as one of the best attacking right backs in Europe, but Southgate sprang a surprise by playing him in the heart of his defence in March's friendly against Holland and has persisted with the tactic. The England manager believes Walker's rapid pace can be a vital ingredient in a successful defence during the World Cup.


However, the 28-year-old admits he would much rather be deployed in the position where he has made his name.

'Is centre back my preferred position? Of course not. I want to play right back,' said Walker. 'I have worked my whole life to get to where I am now in a World Cup squad, and to showcase my talent in the World Cup stage, playing in my position.

'But I'm a team player. I will do anything for the team. If that means the gaffer thinks to help the team out I should play there I am all for it.

'I have been playing professionally since I was 18 at right back. To get to your first World Cup and probably not be playing in your preferred position where you want to showcase your talent is not disappointing but it is like, 'OK it is a little bit of a step back'.

'I have to move on from it. I'm a defender first and foremost, and if I'm playing right centre half I am even more of a defender than the wing backs. If I can get forward I am sure you will see me up there. I have to be professional. I have to manage the game correctly, and see what we are doing in the game.'

Monday's opener against Tunisia will be Walker's first World Cup experience having missed Brazil 2014 through injury. The City star, however, was part of the England squad who failed so miserably at Euro 2016.

'People say we owe the fans a good tournament but first and foremost we owe it to ourselves because the last tournament wasn't good enough,' he said. 'I've said it before that if we didn't score the early goal (in the last-16 defeat against Iceland in Euro 2016) I think it would have been different.

'But because we scored the early goal we took our foot off the gas and got complacent so it was a good learning curve for us. We are definitely stronger mentally now and the whole team is stronger on and off the field.'


 
Happy World Cup Day!

let-the-games-begin-gif.gif
 
Putin warned these Russians they better do well if they want to go home to their wives after this WC.

Trust me...

1:0 to the Russians
 
You know what,...in 2026 I’m going to the US for the WC. Ima stay the whole month. Fuck it. I just made the decision.
 
2:0 and to be fair that’s a great goal and Russia on the break are cutting through easily
 
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