Versatile Kyle Walker-Peters hoping to be England’s Philipp Lahm

Kyle Walker-Peters may have just earned his first England call-up but he is already setting his sights on replicating the international career of World Cup winner Philipp Lahm.

The Southampton full-back was drafted into Gareth Southgate’s England squad as fellow defenders Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled out for the upcoming Wembley friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.

Being able to operate on either flank has been a bonus for both Walker-Peters and Saints this season and could see the 24-year-old emerge as a good option for Southgate to have around the camp.

Lahm, who captained Germany to World Cup glory in 2014 and also collected eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League at Bayern Munich, was equally adept in both full-back positions.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has already seen similarities between the two, saying recently: “Kyle is an unbelievably smart footballer with a super football intelligence. He plays left-back, right-back.

“He reminds me a little bit of Philipp Lahm I must say, because he is so good on the ball, he always has good decisions. He can run and makes nearly no mistakes.”

Speaking at St George’s Park following his call-up, Walker-Peters said such lofty comparisons have to be a target now he is in the England ranks.

Hopefully, yes, I can be England’s Philipp Lahm. There’s a long way to go until I can do that so I just want to do well this week and see what happens.- Kyle Walker-Peters

“It is always nice to be compared to top, top footballers,” he said.

“Yes, I think that versatility is something I’ve had from when I was young. I’ve played in midfield, left back and right back.

“Hopefully, yes, I can be England’s Philipp Lahm.

“There’s a long way to go until I can