England confirm Euro 2024 vice-captain ahead of blockbuster Serbia clash
England boss Gareth Southgate is currently preparing for Sunday's Euro 2024 clash with Serbia
REUTERS
England have confirmed their vice-captain for Euro 2024 this summer ahead of their opening match of the tournament against Serbia on Sunday.
The Three Lions opted to jet out to Germany without Jordan Henderson, who has been left at home.
The midfielder has long been deputy to Harry Kane when it comes to the international scene.
And with Henderson set to miss this summer's tournament, England have now given the honour of being vice-captain to Kyle Walker instead.
England boss Gareth Southgate is currently preparing for Sunday's Euro 2024 clash with Serbia
PA
The Manchester City defender replaced Ilkay Gundogan as City captain last year after the Germany international moved to Barcelona.
Walker is the oldest member of the current England squad at the age of 34.
The veteran has faced scrutiny over his personal life after admitting to a fling with model Lauryn Goodman earlier in the year.
When it comes to being a footballer, however, Walker is one of the best right-backs of his generation.
He made his England debut back in 2011 and, at the time of writing, has 83 caps and one goal to his name.
Walker has become a serial winner in club football ever since ditching Tottenham for City all the way back in 2017.
He has won six league titles at the Etihad Stadium, often flourishing under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
Walker was also part of the City side that won the Champions League, and the treble, in 2023.
And while he recently missed out on a third FA Cup triumph, he's set to be a key player for England this summer.
Back in September, Gareth Southgate revealed he'd twice stopped Walker from bringing the curtain down on his international career.
“I’ve talked him [Walker] out of retirement twice,” the England manager said.
“After the Euros and after the World Cup. I think he loves being here, he’s wanted to keep going and now he’s thinking about how many caps he can get.
"He’s critical to us. If we’re talking about world‑class players in their position in our team then he’s probably one of them.
"I think he didn’t realise how much value we have for him and how important he is for us.”
Walker also revealed he was concerned about potentially being replaced, while admitting football had taken a toll on him.
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England have confirmed Kyle Walker as their vice-captain ahead of Serbia Euro 2024 clash
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“Obviously, in a moment, at the time that me and Gareth spoke, the likes of Trent, Tripps, Reece James coming through … you do think your days are numbered," he said.
“And to sacrifice how many holidays and summers that I’ve sacrificed? I’ve been doing this since I was 19. I’m 33 now.
“Me and Gareth have a good relationship off the field.
"We do speak and I feel that I can still bring something to the team.
"So why stop?”
England have left Jordan Henderson at home for Euro 2024 this summer
PA
Walker is expected to start when England face Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener this Sunday.
The Three Lions will be hoping to go one better after making the final of the last European Championships back in 2021.