Gareth Southgate explains how Kyle Walker's new Man City role has boosted England

Kyle Walker has taken his Manchester City form into the international break, with England boss Gareth Southgate spotting a new side to the defender this season.

Walker's future has been up in the air in recent months after falling out of the City starting XI for the Champions League final. A move to Bayern Munich was on, and then it was off, with the defender set to sign a new contract at the Etihad until 2026. However, Walker voiced his frustration after England drew with Ukraine on Saturday that the contract still hadn't been signed.

After settling on staying at City, Walker has taken an increased leadership role after captain Ilkay Gundogan left and deputy Kevin De Bruyne has been injured.

According to Southgate, that has sparked a change in Walker that has been noticeable on England duty this week.

ALSO READ: 'I need to do what's right for me' - Kyle Walker offers update on new Man City contract talks

"He has (got better with age). It doesn’t always happen," said the England manager. "It’s not only playing but also around training, the way I hear him speak when he’s interviewed, his influence on the group, he’s become a really mature leader for us.

"His all-round game — he has great composure in a position where you don’t always find it. Our senior players were important and he was the pick against Ukraine.

"He’s got huge experience of winning big matches. I pulled him aside two or three days into the training this week because his focus was really clear, the way he was organising on the pitch. He’s enjoying the extra responsibility he’s had at his club and I know he’s ready to embrace that with us as well."

However, Southgate admitted that he has had to talk Walker out of international retirement twice recently