England secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Senegal in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, booking their place in the quarter-finals against France. While the attacking trio of Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka grabbed the headlines with their goals, and Jude Bellingham earned plaudits for his dynamic midfield display, the performance of certain players, particularly in defense, came under scrutiny.
Kyle Walker, the experienced right-back, was one of those who didn't quite reach the heights expected of him. While the overall team performance was strong, individual ratings reflected some concerns about Walker's contribution. Several reports suggested an "unconvincing display" from Walker, who is usually a vital component of England's defense. Some assessments gave him a rating of 5/10 or 6/10, which is below par considering his usual high standards.
One of the primary concerns was Walker's inability to contain Senegal's attacking threats consistently. Although Senegal did not score, they posed questions, especially in the first half, and Walker sometimes struggled to deal with their pace and movement. There were moments where he appeared worryingly out of sync, lacking his usual sharpness and decisiveness.
It's important to note that Walker wasn't alone in facing criticism. John Stones and Harry Maguire, the center-back pairing, also received similar ratings, with concerns raised about their carelessness in possession and occasional lapses in concentration. The midfield, at times, left the defense exposed, which exacerbated the challenges faced by the backline.
However, Walker's performance is particularly noteworthy because of the upcoming quarter-final clash against France and the daunting task of containing Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe's blistering pace and exceptional dribbling skills make him one of the most dangerous attackers in the world. Some pundits have even suggested that Walker's speed and experience make him the "perfect right-back" to neutralize Mbappe. Others even suggested resting him against Senegal to keep him fresh for Mbappe.
Despite the concerns raised about his performance against Senegal, it's crucial to remember Walker's experience and defensive capabilities. He has faced Mbappe before in Champions League encounters between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. While Mbappe has had his moments, Walker has also demonstrated his ability to contain the French superstar.
Looking ahead to the France game, England will need Walker to be at his absolute best. A more focused and assertive performance is essential to thwart Mbappe's threat and solidify England's chances of progressing to the semi-finals. The entire defensive unit will need to be more cohesive and disciplined, minimizing errors and maintaining concentration throughout the match.
Ultimately, while the England vs. Senegal match resulted in a convincing win, the performance highlighted areas where improvement is needed, particularly in defense. Kyle Walker, a key player in that defensive setup, will need to elevate his game to meet the challenge posed by France and their formidable attack.
