“He’s just got everything”: Kyle Walker names best right-back in the world ahead of Euro 2024
England will have a decisive summer as they prepare to go a step better in the Euro 2024 as they target their first men’s title in 58 years. England, who will walk as the favourites to win the Euro 2024 will have a very balanced squad which will see the inclusion of Kyle Walker and others. While Walker and Co will board their flight for Germany, Reece James will be one of the big names who will miss out on the England squad.
Despite only returning from a long-term knee issue, James has a proven track record and was in contention for a place in the England squad for the Euro 2024. However, with a lack of fitness and completion for places England manager Gareth Southgate opted to drop James and will instead have the services of Walker, Kieran Tripper and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Ahead of the Euro Walker opened up on James and why he is ‘one of the best’ right-backs in the Premier League.
Walker heaps praise for Reece James
“He’s just got everything. Everything. If I could make the complete right-back, it would be him. He can defend, attack, he’s technical, can use both feet, he’s a threat at dead-ball situations, he’s quick,” the Manchester City captain said while speaking on the You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast.
“I think if I was to build the perfect right back, I would go with my strength, [Achraf] Hakimi’s pace, [Joao] Cancelo’s technical ability, Trent’s [Alexander-Arnold] passing, [Dani] Carvajal’s mentality and I think Reece James’ football brain because he obviously played in midfield for a long time.
“But if I was to round all of them up, I’d say it would be Reece. He gives you a little bit of everything,” Walker added.
James will have an added length of holiday as he won’t be in action for Chelsea in their opening three matches of the next Premier League season. He was given a direct red card in the penultimate match against Brighton which will keep him out of action until September at least.
England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
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