Pep Guardiola has challenged Kyle Walker to earn his place back in the England team after his surprise omission from the latest squad.
Gareth Southgate left the Manchester City defender out of upcoming games with Bulgaria and Kosovo, explaining that he wanted to bring Kieran Trippier back into the squad and also look at younger players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
With Joao Cancelo also looking to earn a regular spot in the City team, Walker faces a battle for club and country.
Guardiola dismissed the idea that the extra rest could do the 29-year-old and the Blues good in their quest for silverware, with him separately praising Didier Deschamps for giving Aymeric Laporte a long-awaited call to the France squad.
While the City manager was surprised by Walker being left out of the England squad, he wants the right-back to earn his way back into the squad.
"A little bit surprised at first. I’m not involved. We’ll respect the decision," he said.
"Kyle is coming back stronger. I understand him and support Gareth. I’m pretty sure the players want to go to the national team. It’s happened, so we adapt.
"We have time with our family now with the international break. Come back and play as best as possible to come back to the national team."
