Chelsea right-back Reece James says Kyle Walker has acted like a mentor during England camps to the younger full-backs in the squad, despite the high level of competition for places.
Manchester City defender Walker was first choice at right-back in the summer at Euro 2020, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is back from injury and in top form for Liverpool. James, who helped Chelsea win the Champions League last season and has also started the season well, is another quality option in contention, and featured during the Euros when Walker was either rested or moved into a back three.
Keiran Trippier is another option available to Gareth Southgate, and he has often been used on the left to accommodate all the right-back options. Trippier has been left out of the current England squad to allow James and Alexander-Arnold a chance to impress alongside Walker.
So with so much competition, Walker could be forgiven for trying to sneak any advantage that comes his way, but James has revealed that the City man has taken it upon himself to help James and Alexander-Arnold along and assure them their time will come.
“Kyle Walker has put his arm around me a few times," James has revealed.
"He’s been a younger player and now he’s an experienced player. He can play a number of positions and he is at the top of his game for a number of years now.
“He has been in my position before and he just tells me to keep working hard and my time will come.”
Reflecting on the competition for places with the Three Lions, James said club rivalries are put to one side for the good of England's chances of success.
He explained: "Each one of us has a different style of play. Trent's obviously been at the top for quite a few years now and Kyle Walker as well, so the competition's very tough.
"There are other full-backs who are not here as well who are also at a very good level. I'm competing with very good players, it's tough and we just have to keep pushing each other.
"When you come away, you know you have to put club rivalry aside and when we're here, we're one team and our aim is to win and no matter who we're playing against, we have to put it aside and focus on our task here."
“It is not easy to do that. We play most of our football for our clubs and we want to win wherever we are.
“I’m pretty sure that everyone’s aim is to become the best in their position and that’s what I am aiming for. I want to be the best and get the best out of myself as well.”
“I am going to keep working hard and trying to keep my good form up. If I keep performing like I have been with time and more experience it will definitely help.”
