Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that Manchester City star Kyle Walker is the “weak link” in Gareth Southgate’s England side.
England have already qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup following victories over Tunisia and Panama. Despite that, Wenger fears that when the national side face Belgium on Thursday Walker could be exposed.
Wenger thinks that Southgate will come to regret his decision to use Walker as a central defender instead of a right back where he has played for all of his career. “He’s not a real defender and especially not a central defender,” Wenger said on Bein Sports. “He can be subject to making defensive mistakes which he would not pay for when he plays on the right.”
Walker has admitted that playing as a central defender is not his preferred position. When asked about his change of position ahead of the World Cup, he said: “I have been playing professionally since I was 18 at right-back, so to go to your first World Cup and probably not play in your preferred position where you want to showcase your talent, is...well, not disappointing but a little bit of a step back.”
The 28-year-old joined City last year in July for £50mn from Tottenham Hotspur where he played for eight years. Walker enjoyed an incredibly successful season with the club winning the Premier League as the first to hit the 100 points target, as well as the EFL Cup where his side beat Wenger’s Arsenal 3-0.
When he was asked about playing as a central defender he said that Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is the reason why he feels confident making the change. He said: “It was comfortable for me because of the work I have done at Manchester City. My game has developed tremendously under Guardiola. He has taught me so much about the game.”
Wenger suggested that Tottenham’s Eric Dier should take Walker’s place in the England line-up. Dier has only been used as a substitute in the tournament so far. He came on late against Tunisia. Wenger claimed: “He can play in the middle of the defence and as a midfielder. I don’t know why he has not been used at all.”
The choice to start Walker at central defender has opened a spot for Kieran Trippier at right-back. Trippier provides England with some well-needed set piece potency, with his corner against Panama setting up John Stone’s opening goal.
While Trippier has drawn widespread praise for his two performances in Russia, Walker conceded a penalty against Tunisia and was not entirely convincing in the victory over Panama.
