Former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has backed Kyle Walker to start at right-back for England at the World Cup in Qatar, insisting he is the best option for that position.
Walker, who has made 70 appearances for the Three Lions, has featured regularly for England at centre-back in recent years - playing at the heart of defence at the last World Cup and during the most recent Euros tournament.
England boss Gareth Southgate has utilised the 32-year-old in that position due to his versatility and athletic ability, with the City star performing well on the majority of occasions that he has played at centre-back.
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He started at centre-back against Italy in the Nations League last week, playing alongside Eric Dier and Harry Maguire. However, Walker was dropped to the bench for the Three Lions' entertaining 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday night.
With England boasting so many options at right-back, Southgate appears to view Walker as a centre-back, rather than a full-back.
Despite this, ex-City man Sagna has insisted that the former Tottenham man should be starting on the right for his country - adding that he is 'one of the best in the world' in that position.
Speaking to Lord Ping, the Frenchman said: "My first choice would obviously be Kyle Walker. I think out of the options that England have, he is the most complete player. He is having a fantastic spell at Manchester City.
"When he first joined the club he was sometimes criticised for his positioning but now I think he is very influential and a key player for Pep.
"I consider him to be one of the best in the world. He brings consistency and leadership and he has all the qualities that you want in a right back.
"This season, he is playing a slightly different role, one that is more defensive. We know he can attack brilliantly, but I’ve been impressed with how he has adapted his game this season. He would be my first choice."
Sagna also admitted that he was unsure why Southgate was utilising Walker as a centre-back, rather than a full-back. The 39-year-old suggested that the Three Lions boss should 'stick to basics'.
"I don’t understand this decision. Why would you want to play him out of position and reinvent football? If a player is good in his position, then leave him there," Sagna added.
"England have an unbelievable amount of talent at centre-back, so why change him when he is one of the best in the world at right-back?
"Coaches are always looking to try new things and change players. I think they should stick to the basics, and that means using Walker in his natural position. You want to utilise his pace on the right side of the pitch - he is much more efficient there.
"You have to respect Southgate’s decision because he is the coach, but I think he is overthinking. Football is about getting the basics right and, I don’t think England are doing that at the moment. They don’t have any stability."
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