Manchester City star set for first World Cup start for England at Qatar 2022

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Manchester City star Kyle Walker is set to make his first start for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Wales, with Phil Foden also in line to make Gareth Southgate’s final starting XI of the group stage.

According to the Telegraph, the Premier League right-back is in line to make his first appearance in Qatar after missing the last two matches due to injury, with Walker travelling to the Middle East with a groin injury that has kept the defender out of action for some weeks.

As well as Walker, Foden is expected to make his first start of the World Cup after strong calls from fans and pundits for Southgate to put the 22-year-old playmaker in the starting XI, with many supporters confused as to why the City star didn’t feature in England’s 0-0 draw against the USA.

The England manager is set to address these calls head-on tonight against Wales, though, with Foden set to join Walker in the starting XI, with Jack Grealish also in contention to line up right from the first whistle as the Three Lions look to end the group on a high.

Southgate’s side will progress to the round of 16 barring a 4-0 loss to Wales, though for many England fans, they will be expecting a convincing win against their British rivals ahead of the knockout stages, where Walker and Foden could face one of Senegal, Ecuador or the Netherlands.

Indeed, Walker’s return to injury is a massive boost for England and their World Cup aspirations. And for Southgate, they will be hopeful that the City star will avoid any more setbacks against Wales in a fixture that is expected to be quite feisty.

Walker could be key to England achieving World Cup greatness

England’s 0-0 draw against the US brought a lot of fans down to Earth, with many supporters now fearing that the Three Lions might not have what it takes to win the World Cup after being one of the pre-tournament favourites. However, Walker’s return could change everything.

The City defender was key to England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and to the Euro 2020 final, and for many, Walker is simply the best player out there to slot in at right-back, completing Southgate’s ideal back line and potentially giving the Three Lions the confidence they need to go all the way in Qatar this winter.