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Gareth Southgate could start Man City player v Wales after 32 y/o underperformed [Opinion]

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England face Wales in their final group game on Tuesday evening and Gareth Southgate might be tempted to make changes to the side that drew 0-0 against USA due to some poor performances.

Kieran Trippier was one of many players who underwhelmed at Al Bayt Stadium, so Southgate might call upon Kyle Walker to make his return after recovering from injury.

The 32-year-old said he was ready to play before the USA stalemate, having trained for two weeks, but he will be lacking match fitness as he’s been sidelined for over a month.

Walker has made eight appearances in all competitions for Manchester City this season, last featuring in their 6-3 win over Manchester United on October 2. He injured his groin in the Manchester derby and underwent surgery, but Southgate named him in England’s World Cup squad as he was expected back before the knockouts.

Trippier failed to make a tackle or interception against USA, though he did have more impact in the final third with two accurate crosses and two chances created, but Walker is a favourite of Southgate and might be deemed an upgrade on the 32-year-old. Three games in eight days might be too much for Trippier.

In other news, Gareth Southgate slated for ignoring ‘special talent’ against USA

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Can you name these Man City players from the 2000s? Test your knowledge, take the quiz and challenge your friends and family to beat your score

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He joined from Newcastle in 2000 and left to join FC Sochaux in 2003

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.