Kyle Walker has backed Bukayo Saka to become England's World Cup hero, urging the Arsenal winger to step up alongside Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as the Three Lions enter the knockout stages. Speaking after England's 2-0 win over Panama in New York on Saturday, the former Manchester City defender stressed that the team cannot rely solely on its star players.
England top Group L despite slow start
Thomas Tuchel's side secured top spot in Group L with seven points from nine, following a hard-fought victory against Panama. After a frustrating first hour, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock with a neat finish from Bukayo Saka's corner. Bellingham then turned provider, crossing for Harry Kane to head home England's second. The win sets up a last-32 clash with DR Congo on Wednesday night.
Walker: 'Other players need to step up'
Walker, who earned 96 caps for England and now plays for Burnley, told The Sun: 'You need players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to be firing on all cylinders for England to do well at the World Cup. Bellingham is looking very good and Harry is doing what Harry does. These players need to perform, but you need others to step up as well. And I feel Bukayo Saka is going to come into it now.'
Saka earned his first start of the tournament against Panama, having previously been used as a substitute. Walker described the 24-year-old as 'incredible' and noted his recent form: 'In the last few seasons he has been nothing short of brilliant despite his injuries. Saka is one of the more senior members of the team and he has to take games by the scruff of the neck like Jude and Harry do.'
England's knockout path
England's last-32 opponents DR Congo finished third in Group K after beating Uzbekistan, drawing with Portugal and losing to Colombia. Walker warned that every match from now on will be difficult: 'Knockout football is when it really matters. You can't win a tournament in a group stage, but you can lose one by going out. England are going to have to start playing their best football now.'
Walker also reflected on England's group stage campaign: 'We got off to a flyer against Croatia, then hit a little stumbling block with the draw in the Ghana game. The Panama performance, though not brilliant, stepped it back up again. We topped the group and that was our main objective.'
