Kyle Walker Named England’s New Vice-Captain for Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate has chosen Kyle Walker as England’s new vice-captain for Euro 2024, according to reports. The Manchester City star replaces Jordan Henderson, who had served as Harry Kane’s deputy since 2018 but did not make the squad for Germany this summer.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Walker was selected for this role after captaining his club to a fourth-straight Premier League title this season. Alongside the likes of Kane and Jordan Pickford, the right-back has been a near ever-present in the Three Lions squad under Southgate and is set to play a significant role at the Euros, which begin on Friday night.
Henderson’s Absence and Walker’s Prominence
England kicks off their tournament on Sunday night against Serbia. Henderson had been expected to continue as vice-captain, having served in that role during the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2020. However, the former Liverpool captain did not even make Southgate’s preliminary squad after a challenging season following his controversial move to Saudi Pro League’s Al-Ettifaq last summer.
He joined Ajax in January to boost his chances of an England call-up, but his form did not improve. Instead, promising youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton were picked.
Meanwhile, 34-year-old Walker, the oldest player in England’s 26-man squad, received his first cap in 2011 and has represented his country in every major tournament since Euro 2016. With 83 caps so far, he is set to overtake Manchester United legend Gary Neville as England’s most capped right-back during the Euros.
Other potential candidates for the vice-captaincy included Pickford, Kieran Trippier, and Declan Rice. However, Walker’s leadership and experience have earned him the nod to be Kane’s deputy.
