Kyle Walker has targeted winning back his place in the England squad after being left out by interim boss Lee Carsley for the Three Lions upcoming Nations League matches.
Carsley named his first squad last week after taking over on a temporary basis following Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down after Euro 2024.
Walker was among the highest profile names absent from the squad list, which included four newcomers in Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke.
Livramento, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Walker’s Man City team-mate Rico Lewis will be among Carsley’s right back options during the international break.
Walker, 34, has stressed he is determined to win back his place in the England set-up, but admitted Carsley has made the right decision for this squad.
Kyle Walker has vowed to win back his England after being left out of the latest squad
Interim England boss Lee Carsley opted not to include Walker for the Nations League matches
Walker, who was named in the Euro 2024 team of the tournament, wants to add to his 90 caps
‘I’m disappointed, you accept it and just try to prove them wrong,’ Walker said, as reported by the Sun.
‘With a new manager, you are always expecting a few changes.
‘I’m disappointed because to represent your country is always the highest thing.
‘But I haven’t played any minutes this season so you have to take it on the chin.
‘I’ve not performed at any level since coming back from the Euros, so I think it’s the right call from him.’
Walker had added that Carsley had called him to explain his decision, while he reiterated his desire to add to his 90 caps.
The Man City star’s position differed to fellow full back Kieran Trippier, who opted to end his international career last month.
The 33-year-old earned 54 England caps, playing a key role during Gareth Southgate’s successful reign as head coach.
Tino Livramento will be among the full backs seeking to impress in England’s two matches
Walker has opted against following Kieran Trippier (right) into international retirement
Trippier famously scored in the World Cup 2018 semi-final loss to Croatia, curling home a brilliant free-kick to fire England ahead.
Walker, who was the only England star named in the Euro 2024 team of the tournament, was highlighted by Carsley when he explained his squad for matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
‘I wanted to put a mark on the squad,’ Carsley said. ‘Kyle hasn’t played this season. City are phasing him in gently and we have to respect that.’
Carsley’s comments came ahead of Walker earning his first minutes of the campaign, coming off the bench in Man City’s 3-1 win over West Ham.
Morgan Gibbs-WhiteKyle Walker
