England legend Kyle Walker has revealed the top five players he played with for the national team after he hung up his Three Lions jersey this week.
The speedy right-back retired from international duty after earning 96 caps, with Thomas Tuchel set to name his final squad before the World Cup this summer next week.
Having had an illustrious career at club level, where he played for Tottenham before a £50m move to Manchester City, where he won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, and four Carabao Cups. He's also been a key man for England over the years, being a regular in the sides that reached the European Championship final in both 2021 and 2024.
Kyle Walker's Top Five England Teammates
England right-back Kyle Walker looking frustrated
Walker made his debut for England way back in 2011, coming on as a substitute for Scott Parker, who is now his manager at Burnley, in the 85th minute of a 1-0 win over Spain at Wembley Stadium.
He didn't make it to the Euro 2012, World Cup 2014, or Euro 2016 squad, but was a key man for Gareth Southgate at the World Cup in 2018, where he played as a centre-back in the back three.
Over the years, he played alongside some absolute superstars at international level, and when asked who the top five were in his mind by England Football, he had little doubt about who deserved their recognition.
"The top five England players that I played with, in no particular order? Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane, for sure.
"I think John Stones has got to be in there, so I'm going to put John and Harry Maguire both in, because I think they've been a rock in the defence for all the best tournaments when we've obviously gone and achieved great things.
"Jordan Pickford has been unbelievable too, so I think as he's a keeper, I’d put Jordan in there."
Walker Snubs Gerrard, Lampard and Sterling
England v Denmark - UEFA Euro 2020: Semi-finalLONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Harry Kane of England is congratulated after scoring his team's second goal by Jordan Henderson, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on July 07, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Walker was quick to explain why he left out some legends from his list, while also listing off some honourable mentions who he felt deserved to be included too.
"I played with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, but I don’t think I got their best years when I was coming through.
“I think Raheem Sterling also gets overlooked a lot for what he's done for English football, with his performances in major tournaments when he’s scored some important goals.
“There's just too many…Luke Shaw, he pops up, Kieran Trippier, he pops up and Jordan Pickford has been unbelievable too, so I think as he's a keeper, I’d put Jordan in there.
“There's probably too many players to mention just five, because I've been very fortunate to experience so many great memories.”
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