Kyle Walker withdraws from the England squad with Rico Lewis called up to replace the City captain

Kyle Walker has withdrawn from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their upcoming clash with Belgium. The injury Walker suffered in their 1-nil defeat to Brazil has seen him return early from national duty. Walker’s injury has, however, given an opportunity for Rico Lewis to impress for his country. The City Academy graduate has been called into Gareth Southgate’s squad to replace the Manchester City captain.

Manchester City’s captain will now return to the club to have his injury assessed after being withdrawn from international duty. Kyle Walker was substituted after 19 minutes of England’s loss to Brazil. He is now due to return to his club to have the injury assessed.

Rico Lewis will be hoping to impress if he given an opportunity by Gareth Southgate. The youngster earned his first cap for his country earlier this season. Lewis was named man-of-the-match for his polished display in England’s 1-all draw with North Macedonia. Although it is a blow for Kyle Walker to miss England’s clash with Belgium, it does present Lewis with another opportunity to impress. With the European Championships coming up this summer, an impressive display for England may earn Lewis a spot in England’s squad for the tournament.

For Manchester City, attention will now shift to the severity of the injury suffered by Kyle Walker. The world champions will be hoping his injury isn’t too serious. With Arsenal next up for Pep Guardiola’s side, they will be hoping to have their captain available for the challenges that lie ahead this season.

Although the loss of Kyle Walker is potentially a blow for Manchester City, they do have options for the right-back position. Pep Guardiola could call upon Manuel Akanji, John Stones, or Rico Lewis to slot in at right-back if required.