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England’s Kyle Walker explains why he’s inspired by Luka Modric at Euro 2024

Posted on by angelo

Kyle Walker has been inspired by Pepe and Luka Modric to become one of international football’s veterans.

The England vice-captain recently turned 34 and has already been twice dissuaded from international retirement by manager Gareth Southgate, but he now believes Euro 2024 will not be his last tournament as he considers the prospect of continue for years.

Walker took heart from Croatia captain Luka Modric, named third best player of the 2022 World Cup at 37, and Portuguese defender Pepe, who became the oldest player in European Championship history when he faced the Czech Republic in Leipzig on Tuesday and hopes to prove that he can also excel as a retired footballer.

The Manchester City right-back has exceeded his own expectations by winning 84 caps and hopes there are many more to come.

He said: “Of course I want to go as far as possible. To represent my country as many times as I have – honestly, I never thought I would do it just once, so to do it for as many years as I have, I have to say that’s it to my honor. But I look at Pepe and he’s 41 and plays for Portugal. So these are the levels that people are setting now, like Luka Modric, people like that. These are people who play in high-level teams at the highest level for a considerable amount of time. If they can do it, why can’t I?

Walker’s greatest asset has always been his pace, but he shows no signs of slowing down and feels his game continues to develop.

He added: “I think as long as you’re putting in performances for your club, which then brings you into the England fold, I’m in contention. I still feel good. A lot of people talk about my age, but to me, age is just a number. I still feel fast, I still feel strong, I still feel young. And even at my age, I still want to learn. I feel like the game is adapting all the time and with the younger guys coming up they’re showing me different things I can learn from and different techniques, and I think every day is a learning day no matter if you’re 34 years old like me. or 19 like Kobbie (Mainoo).