I tried to quit England but now not even Man City critics can stop me

As the nation busies itself questioning Phil Foden's role and performance against Serbia, another Manchester City man went under the radar.

Kyle Walker wouldn't have been at these Euros if he had it his way; he tried to retire from international football first after the defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020 and then after the Qatar World Cup in the winter of 2022. Each time, he was convinced not to call it off by England head coach Gareth Southgate.

That in itself is telling, for it is only just over two years since Southgate left Walker out of an England squad to assess younger options for the right-back role yet Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold have not made the spot their own. It could be argued that Alexander-Arnold has bypassed it by moving into midfield, but it is hard to think that Southgate would even consider that luxury move if he did not have a quality right-back already in the position where the Liverpool defender has played nearly all of his career.

ALSO READ: Phil Foden seven word reply is perfect response to Cesc Fabregas criticism

ALSO READ: Man City chief offers subtle warning to Sir Jim Ratcliffe over Man United's Omar Berrada poaching

Walker, who turned 34 a few weeks ago, saw his influence grow last season at the Etihad when he was named captain and he is now one of England's leaders at a major tournament. He was solid enough in a fairly uninspiring 1-0 win, with his pace creating problems for the Serbian defence and prompting Serbian attackers to be frequently skittish when they were in possession on his side of the pitch.

It's fair to say the veteran has endured his fair share of criticism over his career, for both his football performances and personal life. He gave a big interview apologising for "idiot choices and idiot decisions" last season when it was revealed that he had fathered a second child with influencer Lauryn Goodman, betraying long-time partner and mother of four of his children Annie.

That behaviour did not sit well with some City fans from their club captain, and others were vocally critical of his performances during the season and his claim that the Blues were not close to the achievements of Sir Alex Ferguson's United team. Even last week, his public assessment of Jack Grealish's below-par season enraged City supporters who did not think it was his place to be speaking truths admitted by Pep Guardiola, Southgate, and the player himself.

Given what could have happened after the last two tournaments or at any point over the last four years, it was strange for Walker to be sat in the England camp talking about the absence of another star. Yet thanks to Southgate, and despite his critics, Walker's pace remains as integral to his national team as it has for Guardiola at City.

Whatever else happens with England at the Euros, expect Walker to be a constant.