England's Kyle Walker already feeling 'at home' in Chantilly

Tuesday 07 Jun 2016
Kyle Walker

England defender Kyle Walker admits he already feels “at home” in the Three Lions’ Euro 2016 base in Chantilly.

The squad arrived in northern France on Monday afternoon, where they will be based for the duration of their involvement in the competition.

And after training at the Stade de Bourgognes in the town, the Tottenham Hotspur star revealed he has been impressed with the set-up for both work and down-time. 

England v Russia

UEFA Euro 2016
Group B
8pm, Saturday 11 June 2016
Stade Velodrome, Marseille, France
Live on ITV1

"It’s been great, obviously you can see the training facilities that we’ve got behind us, they’re second to none," said Walker. 

"And the hotel is the same, it’s very relaxing. 

"For me it even feels homely, so I’m relishing getting started now."

That homely feel which Walker alludes to is only exacerbated by the presence of four of his team-mates from White Hart Lane.

With Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane all alongside Walker in Roy Hodgson’s squad, it means Spurs are the most represented club in the 23-man group.

"It’s great, obviously, to play with players that you play with day-in, day-out," added the former Sheffield United right-back. 

"It makes you feel at home in a slight way, and it’s good to have them around us.

"I think we’ve got youth in the team, and a little bit of experience as well, which always is a good combination. 

England defender Kyle Walker in action against Portugal at Wembley Stadium.

Walker impressed during England's victory over Portugal at Wembley ahead of the trip to France

"So I think we’re just relishing [the chance] to get started. I’m eager to get started and I know all of the other players are, and hopefully it can be a good tournament."

With Saturday’s opening game against Russia now fast approaching, Walker is hoping his performance in last week’s win over Portugal will be enough to see him secure a spot in the starting line-up in Marseille.

But with Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne providing the competition for him as an alternative choice for right-back, Walker believes England will be in safe hands with either of them in the team.

"I think that getting the ‘Man of the Match’ for your country is always fantastic, and it was a good game for myself - we won and it was a clean sheet as well, so defensively it was good," he said. 

"I think that whoever plays, out of me or Nathaniel Clyne, is going to be fine.

"Listen, we’re both good players, so we’re going to be fine. He’s got my support forever if he plays."

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels