Conor Coady believes one Manchester City player is the best England has ever seen in his position.
Manchester City have enjoyed a scintillating start to 2024 having won all but two games as well as advancing to the Champions League final eight and the FA Cup semi-finals.
Pep Guardiola’s side have gone 22 games without a loss and can now enjoy a well-earned fortnight off from the intense action in the international break.
The majority of the squad have taken flight to link up with their nations, with Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and John Stones named in the England squad.
The Three Lions take on Brazil and Belgium in friendlies as they prepare for this summer’s Euro 2024.
One player not in Gareth Southgate’s squad is Arsenal’s Ben White, who told the manager he wished not to be considered for selection.
When discussing White and the mentality players who aren’t starting for England need to have when in the squad, Conor Coady named Walker as the best right-back the country has ever seen.
Conor Coady on Kyle Walker
Coady told The Monday Night Club: “Speaking from a personal point of view.
“And my role when I went to the England squad, you’re mentality has got to be right going there.
“We all want to play, as footballers you want to play every minute of every game.
“But what do you do if you don’t? Do you go back to your room and sulk every day, do you go back and not speak to anybody, do you not cooperate, not do things?
“One thing I can say about Ben is he’s never done that, he was always with the lads. But your mentality has to be right.
“Kyle Walker, for example, is the best right-back the country’s seen, for me. I think he’s the best in the world, in how he goes about his business.
“So you’re thinking how am I going to get in ahead of Kyle Walker? Your mentality has got to be right and you have to adapt.”
Is Kyle Walker England’s greatest right-back
It’s interesting to ponder if Walker is England’s greatest right-back and not many rivals for the crown immediately jump to mind.
The 33-year-old is certainly one of the most successful with five Premier League titles, a Champions League medal, two FA Cup and four Carabao Cup wins.
Gary Neville does have him trumped, though, with two Champions League triumphs, a massive 12 league titles and seven cups.
George Cohen was the right-back when England actually won the World Cup in 1966, too, but they are the only two who have a case up against Walker.