Kyle Walker, the seasoned right-back, took on the captain’s armband for England at Wembley but faced an untimely setback during the match against Brazil.
Following a sprint with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, Walker found himself needing medical attention after clearing a shot from the winger, albeit sustaining an injury in the process.
Despite returning to the pitch after treatment, Walker’s participation was short-lived, and he was eventually substituted in the 20th minute, with Ezri Konsa taking his place. Unfortunately for England, they ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Brazil.
England manager Gareth Southgate expressed concern over Walker’s injury, noting that the 33-year-old is not accustomed to frequent injuries and uncertainty surrounds the nature of his ailment.
The team will closely monitor Walker’s condition over the coming days to assess the extent of his injury.
The potential setback comes as a significant worry for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, especially with a crucial Premier League fixture against Arsenal looming on the horizon immediately after the March international break.
Guardiola will be hoping for a swift recovery for Walker to bolster City’s defensive options for the upcoming match.
Walker himself expressed his disappointment at being forced off the field prematurely, highlighting the honor of captaining the side and expressing hope that his injury is not serious.
His absence from the pitch was undoubtedly felt, and his swift return to action is eagerly anticipated.
In Walker’s absence, Ezri Konsa deputized at right-back, a role he has assumed frequently under Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez made a notable return to the international stage as a second-half substitute.
The absence of regular right-back options such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, and Kieran Trippier due to fitness issues further compounded England’s defensive challenges.
England’s injury woes extended beyond Walker, with key players Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka also unavailable due to injury.
Despite their efforts, England struggled to break through against a resilient Brazilian side, ultimately conceding a late goal to suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat.
The match served as a reminder of Brazil’s quality, with the South American side showcasing enough attacking threat to secure victory, highlighted by 17-year-old substitute Endrick’s decisive goal in the 80th minute.
