Kyle Walker was an unused substitute in England’s 6-2 win over Iran and may struggle to get back into the side after Kieran Trippier’s performance at right-back. Charlotte Marsh of Sky Sports, Matt Law of the Telegraph and Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian all gave the 32-year-old a player rating of 7/10.
He had 116 touches, won three aerial duels, completed 83% of his 88 passes, created one chance, whipped in six crosses with 33% finding a teammate, made five tackles, had one interception, made one clearance and had one shot.
Walker is recovering from a groin injury and was expected to be fully fit later in the tournament, but Gareth Southgate won’t voluntarily change a winning team before qualification to the knockouts is sealed, so the 32-year-old is unlikely to feature against USA on Friday, November 25.
Although Walker is a natural right-back at Manchester City, he often plays as a third centre-back for England, so he’s an option in another role if Southgate wants to change the formation. But whether he would edge out Eric Dier or Ben White to start alongside John Stones and Harry Maguire remains to be seen.
The 32-year-old hasn’t made an appearance since early-October and had to undergo surgery. Walker was selected in England’s World Cup squad knowing he was unlikely to play immediately, but he could remain on the bench if Trippier settles at right-back.
In other news, impressive performance from Mason Mount means Kalvin Phillips may not feature v USA
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