Gareth Southgate praises ‘mature’ Kyle Walker as one of England’s leaders

Gareth Southgate has praised Kyle Walker for maturing into a standard-bearer in England’s growing group of leaders.

There is an expectation around the Three Lions as preparations continue for Qatar having reached the World Cup semi-finals four years ago and then last summer’s European Championship final.

England will be led into the World Cup by captain Harry Kane, who is supported by a number of club captains and trusted lieutenants within the squad.

Southgate likes the leadership make-up of the group and highlighted the way 67-cap Manchester City right-back Walker has developed.

“You notice players maturing,” he said. “For example, Kyle Walker who isn’t captain of his club but he’s such a man within the group, on the pitch, off the pitch, and I think he’s matured a lot over the last two or three years.

“I mean, he’s won the league four times so he’s got confidence from what he’s done as a player.

“He’s been in a World Cup semi-final with us and a European final so he’s got a lot of big-match experience. But he’s definitely one who I think has matured.

“He doesn’t have to be really vocal but his manner, his determination in the way he works.

“There was a chance that Germany had where (Kieran) Trippier got up at the far post and defended it really well but if you look at Walker his desire to stop the cross, it means that the guy’s got to loft it rather than just be able to whip it in.

Kyle Walker isn’t captain of his club but he’s such a man within the group, on the pitch, off the pitch, and I think he’s matured a lot over the last two or three years.- Gareth Southgate

“They’re little things that probably the majority of the stadium probably don’t give a second thought but of course when you are looking at what wins