Kyle Walker-Peters not fazed by tough competition battling for World Cup spot

Kyle Walker-Peters hopes analysing the performances of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James can help him overtake them in the England pecking order.

Gareth Southgate’s side are well stocked at right-back but injuries to Alexander-Arnold and James afforded Walker-Peters his first international action in Wembley friendlies with Switzerland and Ivory Coast.

With Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker also in contention, the Southampton defender concedes his main rivals for the position have the benefit of greater experience, including regular Champions League football during their careers.

Yet he is not fazed about the challenge of battling higher-profile players for a place in Southgate’s World Cup squad.

“The competition is tough, there are a lot of good players in that position,” said Walker-Peters.

“But all I can do is do the best I can back at Southampton until the end of the season, keep competing with those guys in terms of stats and performances and if I continue to do well then maybe I will get the call-up again.

“It definitely does not put pressure on me. I look at everyone that is in my position and that I am competing with and I try and take things from their games.

“I try and see what they are doing well to see if I need to add it to my game. But ultimately, I don’t see it negatively – I just try to use it positively to benefit myself. I’m always watching and always trying to take tips from other players.

“I’d probably say Trent and Reece James, at the moment, are really, really effective in terms of their output, their assists and goals. I think I’ve definitely improved that this season.

“There’s a few players I look at but I have to keep performing for Southampton and hopefully I can overtake those players.”

Walke