Kyle Walker believes the current England squad have “set the bar” for future generations by putting meaning back into wearing the shirt and reaching a first European Championship final.
Gareth Southgate’s side made history with their extra-time victory over Denmark in the semi-finals on Wednesday night, which leaves them on the brink of a first major tournament triumph since 1966.
Walker has been a key part of the run to Sunday’s Wembley showpiece, with the Three Lions having won all five of the games in which the Manchester City star has started at the tournament.
As one of the few elder statesman in the squad, the 31-year-old has been involved throughout the transformation under Southgate, and says the current crop of players have set the template for those who will follow.
“I think when you put on an England shirt, definitely in the past four years, it means something now,” he said.
“It means something, we have created history. I have heard a lot of people talking about how England haven’t won a knockout game, England haven’t won a penalty shoot-out, England haven’t got this, England haven’t got that.
“This group of lads, with the manger and the coaching staff, we just keep knocking them down and hopefully we have set the bar now for the future youngsters that are coming through - this is what our country wants and expects of us.”
