Walker fearing for his England future
KYLE Walker admits he feels like his England career is coming to an end following his red card against Iceland.
The City defender has dropped behind Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold in Gareth Southgate’s pecking order.
Walker made his first England appearance for more than a year as the Three Lions beat Iceland 1-0 in the Nations League, but was shown a second yellow for a rash tackle mid-way through the second half.
The game was notable for a youthful-looking England side handing debuts to Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood.
Walker said their debuts were good news for the side, but feels like he is unlikely to be around the squad for much longer himself.
“It’s brilliant for English football,” he said. “Obviously, Phil was involved in the World Cup win for the Under-17s. They’re proving it at club-level, with big clubs, so I’ve said it before the world is their oyster, especially for Phil.
“For Mason, I’ve not seen much of him, but he seems to be a very good player. He’s sharp, and he can finish - I’ll tell you that - I’ve seen him in training. The sad thing about being a footballer, it does come to an end sometime and I’m probably near the end with my international career.
“But I still feel very energetic, got a lot in the legs.”
Walker accepted full responsibility for the red card which, with the score still locked at 0-0 at the time, put pressure on England. The 30-year-old admitted he should be experienced enough to know to manage the game better when already on a yellow card.
He said: “To get sent off for your country is never a nice moment, especially being on 49 caps and being out of the team for so long. I have to take full blame.
“I’m an experienced player and I should know I’m on a yellow card and to make a rash challenge like that, it’s not acceptable from me.
“I’m a seasoned professional. I’ve played a lot of games. So, I should know how to manage a game if you’re on a yellow card. I put myself in a situation that I shouldn’t have been in, but I have to say fair play to the lads for digging in and getting the win.”
Walker is still keen to remain with the England squad, despite now being suspended for their next game against Denmark tomorrow.
“I’ll talk to the boss and see what he wants to do. I’m more than happy to stay and be around the team. I’ve missed it,” he added. “It’s been too long for me, a year out of the team, so I want to be a part of it.”
Southgate stopped short of backing Walker, but said England should treat the position he put the side in as a learning experience.