Walker: We may never get a chance like this one again
KYLE Walker believes this may be England’s best ever opportunity to reach a second World Cup final.
Years of major tournament disappointment has led to waning excitement around the Three Lions, but this summer has seen hope and excitement return in spades.
England’s impressive group-stage display was followed by a shoot-out triumph against Colombia and surprisingly comfortable quarter-final win against Sweden, propelling the country to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990.
Croatia are all that now stands between Gareth Southgate’s men and a chance at replicating the heroes of 1966, with Walker aware of just how big a chance the semi-final represents.
“It’s a great opportunity,” the England defender said. “I think we all know that.
“I think it’s the best opportunity that England’s ever had (since 1966), and probably might ever have because no disrespect to Croatia but the other side of the group was a lot more difficult.
“They have got some fantastic players. I’ve played with Luka (Modric) and for me he is one of the best midfielders in the world by far.
“But we have to just adapt ourselves to their game plan, but also they have to worry about us.
“We’ve played well, we’ve played well in the games. I think we’ve shown immense character.
“The goal going in against Colombia and us digging ourselves out and stepping up for the penalties and the five penalty-takers taking them, full credit to them. So we have shown character, we’ve shown belief and I think that’s what is going to get us over the line in this game.”
To even be at this stage is a remarkable change in fortunes given it is just two years since the Euro Championship humbling by Iceland - a galling loss compounded by Sam Allardyce’s ignominious exit after 67 days.
Southgate has manfully steered the ship around and Walker does not think the manager gets as much credit as he deserves for his work in bringing this group together.
“It’s special,” Walker said. “It really is. That’s the only word I can describe it because we’re all a family.
“I said at the start of this that over this summer, this is our family.
“You obviously have got your family at home and the kids that you need to keep in touch with, keep checking. But this is our family now.
“(We hoped we would have) a long month together, which we have done.
“And we’ve completed a World Cup. We have completed it. If we get to the final or if we don’t get to the final then we’re one day short, you know it has been an absolute pleasure.”