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Topics: Kyle Walker, England, Manchester City
Josh Lawless
Kyle Walker has opened up on his omission from Lee Carsley's first England squad and the conversation he had with the interim boss.
Carsley brought in four new players for the upcoming Nations League games against Ireland and Finland, with Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White, Tino Livramento and Angel Gomes all getting call-ups.
In a further attempt to put his stamp on the team, there have been recalls for Rico Lewis, Jack Grealish, Levi Colwill, Nick Pope and Harry Maguire.
But Walker, who was vice-captain for Euro 2024 and took on the armband when Harry Kane exited the field in the final, has been omitted.
The former Spurs man has been an ever-present fixture in the squad for a while now but his lack of minutes for Manchester City in the first three games of the season has led to him being left out.
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With Walker having an extended holiday after the Euros, Lewis has got the nod from Pep Guardiola and performed exceptionally at right-back.
Walker is approaching the sacred 100 cap territory but understands Carsley's decision and had a positive phone call with the former Everton midfielder.
Speaking on his BBC ‘You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker’ podcast, Walker said: "Obviously with the new manager and everything like that you're expecting a few changes.
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"Obviously disappointed because to represent your country is the highest thing at international level, especially for England when we're doing so well.
"But I haven't played any minutes this season. So you have to take it on the chin.
"To be fair he was really nice. He gave me a ring a couple of hours before the squad was announced and we just had a conversation.
"Listen I said to him I'm on 91 caps. I want to be involved but I think it's on performances and merit. I think it's the right call from him and I just need to make sure that I'm proving him wrong a little bit in the near future."
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Walker's only time on the pitch for City this season was a brief cameo in the 3-1 win over West Ham last Saturday.