Declan Rice has given an insight into an important message Kyle Walker drilled into the England players as they defeated Slovakia 2-1 in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024.
The 34-year-old’s showing was criticised by Jamie O’Hara, who felt he had an off day in every possible respect.
However, Walker has been a part of far too many situations similar to England’s heroic comeback victory against Slovakia at Manchester City.
With the wealth of experience that the £175,000-a-week man has under his belt, his presence on the pitch would likely have been invaluable to his teammates on Sunday.
Declan Rice reveals Kyle Walker message as England beat Slovakia
Apart from Kieran Trippier and Jude Bellingham, only the likes of Walker, Phil Foden and John Stones have won their top-flight divisions.
While this Three Lions side is packed to the brim with quality, they lack winning experience.
After England defeated Slovakia, Rice revealed the instructions Walker gave to him and his teammates during the pulsating affair.
The Arsenal midfielder told ITV Sport: “I think there were two throws, there was the first one and I said to him, Jude [Bellingham], stay in the box because I had just come on and the ball went out for another throw and Kyle Walker was saying to the lads, ‘Keep believing, keep pushing, we can get something here by sticking to our roles, sticking to our jobs’, because if we don’t do how we set up to do that long throw, if we just make something up on the spot, the cross over and the flick on, to cause havoc, that goal doesn’t come and Jude isn’t free.”
“He was free in the end. If had I tried that, I would have broken my back but he put it in the back of the net.”
Kyle Walker showcased he is a leader on the pitch
Recently, Marc Guehi pinpointed how the six-time Premier League winner’s leadership stands out when times are tough for Gareth Southgate’s side.
It seems like Walker showcased why indeed he is the England vice-captain by willing Rice and his fellow teammates to continue their chase for the all-important victory against Slovakia.
The Manchester City right-back is one of the senior players in the squad.
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender certainly exerted his seniority in the best possible game by reminding his teammates to trust the instructions they have been given and refuse to give up.
Walker’s message was seemingly heard loud and clear as England went on to record one of their most famous triumphs in their recent tournament history.
