toheeb27
OG
I knew @Water Ur Seeds was going to be the first to respond to this, lol
The Official 2018 FIFA World Cup Thread
- Thread starter DNB1
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- fifa world cup
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.'
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.'
Northside7
Active Member
That's the one sport the U.S. will be behind for another 10-15 years. Playing, analyzing, and commentating is still below average.
NBC had/has the best formula with the EPL. All brits except for that Kyle guy but he knows his stuff.
Coral got some good betting odds
dontdiedontkillanyone
Show some love, you losers!
Happy World Cup Day!
Northside7
Active Member
Brazil, Germany or France to win it.
I got England in the semi-final.
I got England in the semi-final.
Hundredeyes
Active Member
Today is the day! Glorious month awaits
Big_Ev
Mr. Brick City
Too bad I can’t tell. They doing the broadcast from LA.
DNB1
OG
I was thinking about you man in the US. There will be some games you guys will miss.
What’s the time where u at, and the time in LA??
Elzo69Renaissance
Didnt you hear about the last nigga who swung @ me
watching the Stream on Telemundo s website
DNB1
OG
Yea but why can’t you get it?? I thought it was a time difference thing but now I’ve confused myself.
Hundredeyes
Active Member
Yeah the Saudis dont have the greatest defense lol