VIDEO: Kyle's rapid rise
Wednesday, 16 November, 2011
Defender admits he sometimes has to pinch himself at his progress.
By Nicholas Veevers
England defender Kyle Walker made the next big step in his career on Tuesday night, after completing his full debut for the Three Lions in the win over Sweden and then picking up the sponsors' man-of-the-match award.
It was only in the summer of 2009 when Walker, then with Sheffield United, was a newcomer to the England U19 squad who went on to reach the final of the European Championship in Ukraine and his rapid rise since then has taken the player himself by surprise.
"It's been a whirlwind two years or so really. I sometimes just have to pinch myself as I can't believe it," he told FATV after the game.
"I've come from Sheffield United to playing for England. I owe a lot to my family and also the coaches at Sheffield United who believed in me."
The Tottenham Hotspur full-back had already been in Fabio Capello's squad on a couple of occasions over the last few months, but hadn't made it onto the pitch until Saturday's substitute appearance against Spain and then his first start on Tuesday night.
"It's been quite a long time coming, I was going to play against Holland but then the riots affected that one," he revealed.
"But I'm just grateful that I got the opportunity to show what I can do."
Watch the full interview with Kyle now by clicking the video link on the right-hand side of your screen.