ARSENE WENGER BELIEVES that Kyle Walker is England’s weak link at the World Cup.
Optimism is high amongst Three Lions fans, particularly following a record-breaking 6-1 thumping of Panama on Sunday.
England also won their opening game, with Harry Kane scoring both goals in the 2-1 win over Tunisia, during which Walker conceded a penalty.
A tougher assignment against Belgium awaits in a game that will decide who finishes top of Group G.
And former Arsenal manager Wenger, who is working as a pundit for beIN Sports , is wary of Gareth Southgate deploying Walker as a centre-back, insisting that the Manchester City star, who usually plays at right full-back, is prone to lapses of judgement.
“He’s not a real defender and especially not a central defender,” he said.
“He can be subject to making defensive mistakes which he would not pay for when he plays on the right.”
Eric Dier, of Tottenham, has yet to make his debut at the tournament, despite being a versatile performer who is able to play at centre-back, full-back and in midfield.
And Wenger is flabbergasted as to why Southgate has yet to play the 24-year-old.
“He can play in the middle of the defence and as a midfielder,” he added. “I don’t know why he has not been used at all.”
England have progressed to the knockout stages of the tournament, and will face one of Japan, Senegal or Colombia in the next round.
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He’s spot on. But anytime you criticise Walker, City fans start talking about trophies. They would have won the league with Jamie Pollack at right back.
@Ray Hyland: agreed im a spurs fan and we really missed the width he gave us in attack however hes no cb
He’s an accident waiting to happen.