Gareth Southgate faces Kyle Walker dilemma for crunch Euro 2024 qualifiers

08 March 2023 , 19:56

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Gareth Southgate must decide whether to include Kyle Walker in his England squad (Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Gareth Southgate faces a dilemma and difficult questions over Kyle Walker’s England future.

The Three Lions boss will name his squad next Thursday for the forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers with Italy and Ukraine. Manchester City defender Walker, 32, could face a police investigation after footage emerged allegedly showing the England star pulling down his tracksuit bottoms while in a Cheshire bar.

Walker would be available for selection for England with the Football Association believing it is a matter for his club, unless the police get involved once they decide whether an offence was committed. Under normal circumstances, Southgate would be expected to pick Walker, but including him would invite questions even if he has not broken any rules during the incident, which has gone viral on social media.

Security camera footage showed Walker drinking with friends after boss Pep Guardiola gave his players two days off following Saturday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle, in which the England full-back starred. City have declined to comment and it is understood the club consider the incident a private matter. Walker’s representative did not respond when contacted.

No club rules were broken as Walker and his team-mates were given time off, with Guardiola saying: “Two days off at home. I don’t want to see them. They don’t want to see me.”

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A spokesperson for Cheshire Constabulary said: “On Wednesday 8 March, Cheshire police were made aware of a video circulating on social media in relation to an indecent exposure which allegedly occurred in the Wilmslow area. Enquiries in relation to the incident are in the early stages and no arrests have been made at this time.”

Kyle Walker played a key role for Gareth Southgate at the World Cup in Qatar (Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Southgate also faces another dilemma over Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is awaiting the outcome of an FA investigation into illegal betting but has been in superb form and would usually stand a great chance of an international recall.

But having left him out of his squad for the World Cup in Qatar, Southgate must decide whether to pick Toney even though he could be looking at a lengthy ban if he is found guilty.

John Cross