Manchester City’s Kyle Walker Dropped by England

Today England manager Gareth Southgate named his England squad for the upcoming internationals and surprisingly omitted Kyle Walker.

It would appear as though Manchester City full back Kyle Walker has been overlooked by the England manager, Gareth Southgate,  despite his excellent performances so far this season. And regardless of whatever brave face Walker puts on when addressing the issue, he will no doubt be annoyed.

What is particularly galling is that Southgate has actually selected three designated right backs in his squad – and none of them are Kyle Walker. This has come as a shock because Walker is the stand out right back for England and one of the best in World football.

Coupled with that he plays for the best Club team in Europe to a high standard and has actually started the season very well. At times, with his new hair cut, he has looked like a different player – a man possessed and acutely aware that at 29 – he is in the peak of his career.

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Southgate has actually selected Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and wait for it – Aaron Win-Bissaka. Bissaka has so far not adapted to life at Manchester United since his big money move from Crystal Palace and it is hard to put his selection down to form or ability.

In interview Southgate has uttered some weasley words about leaving Walker out so as to give youth a chance. These comments I think make the situation worse because Trippier who has been recalled is just 4 months younger than Walker.

As anyone who has ever played football manager knows – you must pick your form players first! Leaving out your established high quality form players is about sending out a message which says – you are not valued.

On the plus side for City they will have Walker rested over the international break, which for a player who has played as much football as Walker has since the last World Cup, must be a bonus.

Yet, if Walker is smarting from this omission then it could well play on his mind – especially as City have invested in Joao Cancelo as quality competition for his role. Let us hope that Walker is able to put the disappointment behind him and concentrate upon his City career instead!

Since making his England debut aged 21 back on November 12 2011, Walker has played a total of 48 times for his country, amassing some 7 assists. For a player at the peak of their powers I would expect him to notch up many more.