Manchester City defender Kyle Walker says England have already shown how they will deal with the pressure that has started to come their way before the 2022 World Cup. Excitement is building for that winter showcase in Qatar after Doha hosted the group-stage draw on Friday afternoon.
England have been pitted against United States and Iran in Group B. Of course, that leaves one further spot left up for grabs as Scotland, Wales and Ukraine set their sights on European qualification. Those play-off games have been delayed in the midst of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Walker was omitted from the latest Three Lions squad after he came to an agreement with Gareth Southgate from their open conversation, but the 31-year-old is almost certain to feature in Qatar after playing an integral part during runs to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 showpiece.
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During a guest appearance on The Footballers' Football Special on BBC 5 Live Sport, the City player said: "We expect as a group of players with what we've achieved and delivered over the last few years. As the boss said, four years ago at the World Cup in Russia, we were inexperienced at tournament football. A lot of the players have now won Champions Leagues and Premier League titles.
"We have to take it [pressure] as a positive. We have earned the right to have this pressure. From the World Cup in Russia, we didn't have any pressure and we went and achieved probably more than anyone in the media, the public or fans - or even us as players - thought we would achieve.
"That's me being honest. Come the Euros there was a little bit of pressure. We have got a lot of good players now, youth and experience. I felt we dealt with it really well. I feel the fans being behind us and the media being behind us, as well, that helps massively."
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