The form of West Ham United’s Arsenal loanee Carl Jenkinson poses England boss Roy Hodgson a selection dilemma after Tottenham Hotspur star’s poor showing.
When England cruised to a 3-0 win over Lithuania last week it completed an impressive perfect qualification record of 10 wins to see Hodgson’s side advance to Euro 2016.
Although given the opposition there was not too much at stake.
Chance went begging
But for Spurs right back Walker, something of a surprise call-up to the squad to replace the injured John Stones, it was a chance to prove he could force his way into the England squad again.
It had been seven months since his last call-up and with injuries robbing Hodgson of the likes of Stones and Nathaniel Clyne the stage was set.
Walker, who is a solid performer for his club, was terrible when the chance came, though.
Misplacing pass after pass and constantly over-running the ball he looked like a fish out of water in the Three Lions shirt.
The case for Jenkinson
Meanwhile, Jenkinson, who is spending a second consecutive season on loan at high-flying West Ham from Spurs’ arch rivals Arsenal has been one of the Premier League’s in-form players.
Back-to-back goals, including a superb run and finish to a 10-pass move in the 3-1 win at Crystal Palace last time out followed a brilliant goal in the game before up at Sunderland.
But it is Jenkinson’s all-round game that has been so impressive. Last season he was clocked as the fastest player in the league and he continues to show his electrifying pace when rampaging up and down the right hand side.
Slaven Bilic’s new counter attacking style certainly seems to suit Jenkinson who must surely be in contention for a call-up for the friendlies against Spain and France next month.
Experience vs form
Walker is more experienced in terms of representing his country having played 12 times for the senior side while Jenkinson has played just once.
Perhaps Hodgson sees Arsene Wenger’s decision to loan Jenkinson out for a second season as a damning indictment of his ability to perform at the highest level.
But the Gunners handed the right back a new four-year deal before letting him join the Hammers so he is clearly a player they rate highly.
Only Hodgson can answer the question but if Jenkinson is not given an opportunity in the forthcoming friendlies you have to ask will his chance ever come under the former Fulham boss.
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