Kyle Walker set for England recall? His heat map shows how surprise return could happen
Kyle Walker is looking to push back into the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer.
Over the summer, Walker left Man City to join Burnley after spending the second half of the season on loan at AC Milan.
The right-back had fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola with Walker taking a pay cut to join Burnley as a way to facilitate more game time.
The plan would’ve been implemented to ensure his spot in the Three Lions squad come next summer, however, the 35-year-old has failed to feature for Thomas Tuchel since 10 June.
Burnley bested by West Ham but Walker looked sprightly with England on his mind
West Ham were 3-2 victors against Burnley on 8 November, but it wasn’t all bad for Scott Parker’s side who put a respectable fight.
In particular, the ex-Tottenham defender rolled back the years as he put in an all-round resolute performance.
Walker’s heat map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, highlighted that age is just a number as he bombed up and down the right flank all afternoon.
The Englishman won 100 per cent of his aerial duels as well as racking up eight recoveries as he endeavoured to get the Clarets back on the front foot.
Additionally, the number two delivered one key pass and created one big chance as he sought to whip in fierce crosses from the right-hand side.
Walker completed 59 of his 69 passes with a 86 per cent accuracy rate, as Burnley looked to retain possession to try and break down Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Thomas Tuchel needs reliability of Walker for England
The Three Lions squad announcement expectedly omitted the Clarets defender for the World Cup qualifiers.
The German opted to continue with Reece James and Djed Spence as well as the adaptable Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah able to deputise at right-back.
Yet, it does appear that Tuchel could be missing out on the reliability of the 35-year-old, similar to that of Kieran Trippier.
Walker has 96 caps for England and his tournament experience could be crucial in helping the national team go far at the World Cup.
Moreover, with James’ injury woes and Spence’s immaturity, the Three Lions may be leaving themselves light at right-back.
Bring the ex-Man City man back on board could be a masterstroke from the England boss as the nation bids to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.