Kevin Kilbane believes England are taking away Kyle Walker’s ‘dynamic strength’ by playing him as a central defender.

The Manchester City fullback is expected to start as a right-sided central defender in his country’s opening World Cup group game against Tunisia tonight.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate is known to be a fan of Walker in a central position after his club boss Pep Guardiola fielded the 28-year-old in the role during the Premier League season.

But Kilbane believes Southgate would be better off playing to Walker’s strengths in a major tournament.

“England are going to be the only team out of all the top six or eight teams that will be playing three at back,” Kilbane told Off The Ball AM.

“I think if that back three stay free from suspension – they will play the whole tournament. I think you’re taking away something from Kyle Walker’s game. Playing him in a wingback position would be absolutely perfect for him.

“I think his energy, the pace that he’s got – I think he could be getting to bylines. Sometimes his delivery lets him down, I’m not denying that, but I think you’re taking something away from him with the dynamic strength he has.

“I don’t think he’s the greatest on the ball. When he’s stepping into positions where he’s in midfield, will he be able to pick out a pass? Personally I don’t see that from him.

“I think he [Gareth Southgate] might have been better off having John Stones on that right side, who’s able to step in and who’s better on the ball and is able to get into advanced positions.

“Walker would then be able to play further forward and he’s able to essentially play as a winger. That’s the way that I would see it but he obviously feels he needs to get [Kieran] Trippier in the side who probably has better quality when he gets into wide positions.

“And with that quality he feels he can create more chances. That’s the way that Southgate sees it.”

James Hopper