Saint Kyle happy to be a left-field choice for Gareth
KYLE WALKER-Peters is confident playing for a club who are not challenging for silverware will not count against him as he bids to make England’s World Cup squad.
The Southampton defender’s fine form this season was rewarded with his first two senior appearances for his country against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
He has seemingly put himself in contention for a spot in Qatar but England were missing the likes of injured full-backs Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold this week.
And despite Saints sitting in
The boss has watched a lot of my games at left-back so he’s aware I can do it
mid-table in the Premier League and with no European football to look forward to, Walker-Peters – whose club captain James Ward-Prowse also started on Tuesday – hopes he has made an impression on coach Gareth Southgate.
‘I wouldn’t say it is a bit of a problem, I would say it is a great benefit for those lads playing in those high-pressure games,’ he said of the competition for places.
‘That maybe gives them a bit of an advantage in terms of experience playing in higher-pressure games but if I continue to do well for Southampton, Gareth will keep watching.
‘If I am outperforming those players there is a chance to be selected.’
The ex-Tottenham man has featured at left-back at St Mary’s this term but played on the right in the games at Wembley and that versatility could aid his World Cup hopes.
‘The boss has spoken to me about it. He’s watched a lot of my games where I have played left-back so he’s aware I can do it,’ added the 24-year-old. ‘I think you look at Kieran Trippier at the Euros and he played left-back a few times.
‘I think it’s something the boss is interested in – he sees it as another option to have. The more positions you can play in, the better chances you have. But it comes down to how I play for Southampton.’