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World Cup rankings: from 8 to 4

By James Fudge

KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: David Silva of Spain is challenged by Mbark Boussoufa of Morocco and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: David Silva of Spain is challenged by Mbark Boussoufa of Morocco and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) /
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The right-back was getting used to his centre back position when he featured in England’s group game. He generally looked solid due to his defensive partnerships with John Stones and Harry Maguire.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Kyle Walker of England looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Kyle Walker of England looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

The former Tottenham defender missed two games in the tournament, both against Belgium, and was consistent but failed to flourish enough, which we tend to see in the blue shirt of Manchester.

His mistakes though cost him a place in the final section of this series as he gave the ball away in dangerous areas. The penalty give-away in the game against Tunisia nearly started the tournament in disaster, with the player at fault for the penalty decision, even though it was pretty soft.

Against Panama was a breeze, however, a mistake against Colombia nearly put England on the next plane home. He gave the ball away softly in the midfield area, which allowed spaces for Juan Cuadrado to run into more open areas on the right, only to fire over the top of Jordan Pickford’s goal during extra time.

If Walker is going to feature in the back three in an England shirt then he will have to iron out his mistakes and improve his defensive partnership with Kieran Trippier to match their attacking qualities.

Next. Youngsters face their biggest challenge yet. dark

Overall, a decent tournament and Walker will head onto his holidays with plenty of memories.