Kyle Walker aims to fight for England place after Man City star was axed by Lee Carsley – as full back opts against international retirement
Kyle Walker is looking to regain his place in the England squad after being left out of the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League matches by interim manager Lee Carsley.
Carsley named his first squad last week after taking over as interim manager of the club following Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down after Euro 2024.
Walker was one of the biggest names missing from the squad, which also included four newcomers: Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White and Noni Madueke.
Livramento, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Walker’s Man City team-mate Rico Lewis are among Carsley’s options at right-back during the international break.
Walker, 34, stressed he is determined to regain his place in the England squad but admitted Carsley has made the right decision for this team.
Kyle Walker has vowed to win back his England after being left out of the final squad
England interim manager Lee Carsley has opted not to include Walker in the Nations League matches
Walker, who was named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2024, is looking to extend his 90 caps
“I’m disappointed, you accept it and just try to prove them wrong,” Walker said, as reported by the Sun.
‘With a new manager you always expect some changes.
‘I’m disappointed because representing your country is always the highest thing there is.
‘But I haven’t played a single minute this season, so you have to accept that.
‘Since I came back from the Premier League I haven’t performed at any level so I think this is the right decision from him.’
Walker added that Carsley had called to explain his decision, while reiterating his desire to extend his 90 caps.
The Man City star’s position was different to that of fellow defender Kieran Trippier, who decided to end his international career last month.
The 33-year-old has made 54 appearances for England and played a key role during Gareth Southgate’s successful tenure as head coach.
Tino Livramento will be one of the defenders looking to impress in England’s two matches
Walker has opted not to follow Kieran Trippier, right, into international retirement
Trippier scored a famous goal in the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia, curling in a superb free-kick to put England ahead.
Walker, the only England star in the squad for Euro 2024, was singled out by Carsley as he named his squad for the games against Ireland and Finland.
“I wanted to make a mark on the squad,” Carsley said. “Kyle hasn’t played this season. City are phasing him in and we have to respect that.”
Carsley made his comments before Walker had played his first minutes of the season, coming on as a substitute in Man City’s 3-1 win over West Ham.