Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has discussed being left out of the England squad for two upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The 34-year-old has accepted the decision of interim England manager Lee Carsley, after the newly-appointed manager of the Three Lions omitted the Manchester City defender from the squad for two upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
England face both Ireland and Finland in the Nations League this month, travelling to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday evening, and hosting Finland at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 10 September.
Walker was the only Englishman within the Manchester City first-team squad to be excluded from selection, with Rico Lewis, Jack Grealish, John Stones and Phil Foden all receiving a call-up, although Foden has since withdrawn due to illness.
The right-back featured heavily for Gareth Southgate at the European Championship during the summer, but hasn’t started a single match for Guardiola’s side so far this season.
The 34-year-old featured as a substitute against West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday evening, the defender’s first appearance of the campaign for the reigning Premier League champions.
Teenager Rico Lewis, who has received a debut senior call-up, has started all four of the Blues’ opening games across the FA Community Shield and Premier League, impressing across all the fixtures.
Speaking about Lee Carsley’s decision, Walker said: “I’m disappointed. You accept it and just try to prove them wrong. With a new manager, you are always expecting a few changes. I’m disappointed because to represent your country is always the highest thing.
“But I haven’t played any minutes this season so you have to take it on the chin. I’ve not performed at any level since coming back from the Euros, so I think it’s the right call from him. I just need to make sure that I’m proving him wrong in the near future.”
Manchester City return to action on Saturday 14 September with a Premier League clash at home to Brentford, prior to starting their UEFA Champions League campaign against Inter Milan on Wednesday 18 September.
