Should Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne have played for England against Iceland instead of Tottenham’s Kyle Walker.
England’s Kyle Walker looks dejected after the game
Euro 2016 is over and for England, the inquest is still going on. Memories of the Three Lions’ exit to Iceland will be a painful reminder for years to come, for the fans, staff and players involved.
Kyle Walker was one of the players who had an impressive tournament beforehand, playing two games against Russia and Wales, but was partly culpable for Iceland’s opening goal by failing to track goalscorer Ragnar Sigurdsson.
It was not a memorable game offensively for the Spurs defender either, who created just one opportunity for his teammates.
England’s Nathaniel Clyne in action with Slovakia’s Vladimir Weiss
This was highlighted by a staggering performance from his competitor Nathaniel Clyne who filled in for him in the final group game against Slovakia.
Former player Mario Melchiot took to Twitter to highlight that during Euro 2016, Liverpool defender Clyne was the most creative right-back at the tournament, with seven chances created.
This was a staggering achievement for Clyne, considering he only played one match, but it also asks questions of every other player in his position at the finals.
Walker is included in this, and while he played well during the opening two games, arguably England’s best player, he did not produce against Iceland.
England lacked creativity against Iceland, short of composure, and barely managed a shot on target during the second 45 minutes.
England’s Nathaniel Clyne in action with Australia’s Craig Goodwin
Could Clyne have helped? It certainly would seem as though he could hardly have harmed their chances, and just perhaps, after seeing his composed display against Slovakia – the only match in which England kept a clean sheet – Roy Hodgson should have stuck with him.
Now former England manager Roy Hodgson
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
