Man City news: Pundit issues Kyle Walker fitness claim after scary reveal
Paul Robinson has claimed Man City defender Kyle Walker “looked a little bit rusty” in England’s win over Senegal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one suggested the 32-year-old was not quite fully fit heading into the last 16 tie.
Gareth Southgate picked Walker ahead of Kieran Trippier for England’s last 16 game against Senegal.
Walker endured a difficult 90 minutes up against Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr and was lucky to escape a booking in the first half.
The right-back will be tasked with stopping Kylian Mbappe if selected for the quarter final against France.
Mbappe has been one of the standout performers at the World Cup and is currently the tournament’s top scorer on five goals.
As quoted by The Athletic (5 December), Matty Cash gave a scary insight on Mbappe after facing him in the last 16.
Cash said the Frenchman is far quicker than Raheem Sterling.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Walker’s performance against Senegal, Robinson said: “I think he looked a little rusty but that’s all.
“Sarr is a good player but Walker made him look better than he is.
“Walker had a long time out with injury so he’s probably still working his way back to 100 per cent fitness. It is good that he got another full game under his belt.
“We are questioning his performance because he was not as sharp as he normally does. I think that game will have done him the world of good though.
“I have no qualms with him going into the next game against Mbappe. It is imperative that Walker plays against France.”
In other news, Robinson issues ‘big’ Jack Grealish verdict after what he’s spotted from Man City star.