Chris Waddle has revealed he has a worry related to Kyle Walker when he plays for England at Euro 2024.
While Gareth Southgate’s side have failed to win a major tournament, Kyle Walker has managed to cover himself in glory in his nation’s colours.
The £50 million man has remained consistent, whether that is while playing as a traditional right-back or as a centre-back in a back three during Southgate’s spell.
Chris Waddle reveals his worry about Kyle Walker for England at Euro 2024
Despite being 34 heading into the European Championship, it seems likely that the Manchester City captain will start at right-back for his nation.
The six-time Premier League winner could keep the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier out of the side — despite the pair being superior from an attacking point of view.
However, Chris Waddle worries that if Kyle Walker is up the pitch for England, their defenders’ lack of pace could impact the Three Lions at Euro 2024.
Waddle told The Mirror (09/06/2024, page 79): “We know Kyle Walker will play. He’s very quick but he likes to join the attack. If he’s up the field, it’s the pace I worry about at the back. I’m sure that’s a concern that Gareth Southgate knows about.”
Kyle Walker should be deployed as a centre-back in possession
In our view, one way England boss Gareth Southgate could tackle the concern Chris Waddle has is by playing Kyle Walker as a centre-back when his team have possession.
How Southgate can implement this particular tactic is by tasking Walker to operate as a right-sided centre-back in a back three when his team has the ball.
In that way, the decorated defender will always remain in proximity to England’s goal to defend against counter-attacks — using his blistering pace and wealth of experience to full effect.
The left-back in the side, whether that is Kieran Trippier or Luke Shaw can be instructed to bomb forward.
Walker’s strength is his defending and it would benefit both him and his country if an effort is made to highlight this aspect of his game in Germany.