In the 74th minute at Signal Iduna Park, when the score was 1-1, the Three Lions full-back made a precise tackle in a dispute with Cody Gakpo. If the Dutch winger had successfully escaped, Jordan Pickford’s goal would have been in a dangerous position because the England defense had not yet retreated.

Walker also looked solid at right-back throughout the game, with the 34-year-old’s pace keeping Gakpo, who is currently the joint-top scorer in the tournament (3), quiet. Donyell Malen also found it difficult, stumbling into a decisive tackle from the defender in the first half.

Walker had a solid day.

 

Walker had a solid day.

In the 80th minute, Walker effectively joined the attack, assisting Bukayo Saka to increase the score to 2-1. However, the linesman raised his flag for Walker’s offside; VAR confirmed this, and the goal was not recognized.

On the other hand, Walker was criticized for his poor performance in England’s goal. Xavi Simons stole the ball from Declan Rice in a dangerous area and headed straight to the edge of the penalty area before shooting into the net. At that time, Walker was right in front of Simons, but he decided not to rush in to block the shot. He only tried to block the shot but failed.

Walker was blamed for not being more decisive to prevent England’s goal.

 

Walker was blamed for not being more decisive to prevent England’s goal.

GiveMeSport believes that Rice’s careless loss of the ball put Walker in a passive state, so the 34-year-old defender cannot be blamed. This newspaper gave the Manchester City player 7 points, only behind Phil Foden (7.5) and Ollie Watkins (8).

However, the Independent believes Walker could have done more in that move to cover Rice and help England avoid a goal, so they only gave the defender a 6.