After the World Cup, Kyle Walker seriously pondered ending his international career.
Last week, right back scored his first goal for England in a match against Ukraine.
During the summer, Walker was also thinking about his future at Manchester City.
Gareth Southgate, the manager of England, has revealed that he tried to convince Kyle Walker not to play for England after either the 2022 World Cup or the Euro 2020 tournament.
33 years of age Despite the fact that Walker is still one of the best players in the world at his position, it is clear that he has entered a phase of introspection in his career. Walker has also given some thought to his future with Manchester City on a club level this summer, but in the end, he decided to sign a contract extension with the club.
Walker scored his first goal for England in his 77th appearance for his country against Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier at the weekend, but it was a moment that he almost didn’t experience since he pondered retiring from international duty twice in the past two years. Walker scored his first goal in a Euro 2024 qualifier at the weekend.
Southgate said this after the game against Ukraine. “I’ve talked [Walker] out of retirement twice,” Southgate said. “After both the European Championships and the World Cup.”I get the impression that he enjoys being here since he has been wanting to keep going and now he is considering how many caps he can collect.
He is really important to us. If we are talking about players on our squad who are considered world-class in their position, then he is undoubtedly one of those players.I don’t believe he was aware of how valuable he is to us and how essential his role is to our organization.
Walker didn’t try to hide his thoughts and stated his reasons for thinking about his future in England.
“Obviously, in a moment, at the time that me and Gareth spoke, the likes of Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Tripps [Kieran Trippier], and Reece James coming through, you do think your days are numbered,” Walker said. “[T]he likes of Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Tripps [Kieran Trippier], and Reece James coming through.” “And to sacrifice how many different vacations and summers that I’ve given up? Since I was 19 years old, I’ve been doing this job. My current age is 33.
“Off the field, Gareth and I have a positive relationship with one other. We do communicate, and I believe that I can still contribute something useful to the team. Then why do we stop?”
Southgate then proceeded, saying, “Kyle has improved with age.” Not only while playing, but also while he was around the training, the way I hear him speak when he’s being interviewed, as well as his effect on the squad, particularly the younger players.
He’s developed into a highly mature leader for our team.I get the impression that he is relishing the increased duty that he has been assigned at his club, and I am confident that he is prepared to do the same for us.
