Walker prepared to take step back

ENGLAND defender Kyle Walker is ready to sacrifice his preferred right-back spot and play as a centre-half at his first World Cup, the 28-year-old has said.

A key member of Manchester City’s title-winning team last season, Walker has been deployed as a right-sided centre-back in a back three by manager Gareth Southgate and is likely to retain the spot against Tunisia in their Group G opener on Monday.

“I have been playing professionally since I was 18 at right back, so to go to your first World Cup and probably not play in your preferred position is well, not disappointing but a little bit of a step back,” Walker said.

“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.” – Reuters