Kyle Walker started in England’s 3-0 win over Wales and came through the Three Lions’ final World Cup group game unscathed before coming off in the second half.
The 32-year-old had declared himself fit ahead the 0-0 draw with USA but was left on the bench by Gareth Southgate, so he’s had extra time to recover from the groin injury that kept him out for nearly two months.
England qualified for the knockout stages after their comprehensive win over Wales, booking a last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday, but it remains to be seen whether Walker will be handed his first start.
Southgate has a tough decision to make, as Kieran Trippier played well in England’s 6-2 win over Iran before a sub-par showing against USA. The 32-year-old came off the bench against Wales and turned over the ball while blocking a shot, so he hasn’t warranted dropping.
Walker played just shy of an hour for England and will be feeling the effects as he’s not played much football since early-October, so might Southgate deem it a gamble to pick him over Trippier at right-back again?
The 32-year-old can be deployed as a third centre-back alongside Harry Maguire and John Stones too, but England’s positive results haven’t merited such a change in set-up.
In other news, Man City boost as Kalvin Phillips makes long-awaited return in England win
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