I want to play right-back for England - Walker

Despite starring in a central role at Russia 2018, Kyle Walker wants to feature in the same position for both club and country.

Published : Sep 22, 2018 18:03 IST

Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier celebrate for England
Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier celebrate for England
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Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier celebrate for England

Kyle Walker  would rather play at right-back for  England,  despite impressing in a central role at the World Cup. The  Manchester City  defender featured in a back three at Russia 2018, helping Gareth Southgate's side produce an unexpected run to the semifinals.

However, Walker wants to return to his more familiar role at international level after featuring regularly down the right flank for the  Premier League  champions in the 2017-18 season.

The 28-year-old admits that he even felt "a bit awkward" in the heart of England's defence ahead of more recognised centre-backs.

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"I want to play right-back for England. I think that's my spot. I have played there for nine years," Walker said in an interview with the  Mail .

"In the World Cup I was happy to play anywhere. Gareth Southgate felt that would help the team, so I was happy to sacrifice the chance to prove that I am one of the best right-backs in the world. But, I don't see myself as a centre-half."

"When I am 30 and I haven't got the legs then maybe I could learn that position, but I would still have to be playing it at club level to do that."

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"It was a bit awkward in Russia, I won't lie. I am a right-back playing right-centre-half when we have Gary Cahill and Phil Jones sitting on the bench."

"I felt bad for them, but it wasn't my decision. I just had to play to the best of my ability wherever the manager picked me."

Walker will have to usurp former Tottenham teammate Kieran Trippier if he is to become a regular starter for Southgate on the right.

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He also faces further competition at centre-back from Liverpool's Joe Gomez, who started the Nations League defeat to Spain at Wembley, earlier, this month.

"It's something I have to deal with. Joe Gomez is probably a better centre-half than me. It's not my position is it?" he said of flipping between his different roles for club and country.

"I have to pick it up really quickly when I go back to England because it's not something I'm doing week in, week out. I have to put all the work I have done with Pep to the side and listen to something else. I am starting from scratch again and it's a lot to take in for just three or four days. I have to re-adjust myself."

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