Kyle Walker on England’s new siege mentality: calm and empathetic
Squad bemused by fallout from Serbia but defender is ignoring social media and the press before Denmark game
“Guys, I’m not reading a single word of your copy but keep writing, you’re doing well. Keep going. Cheers!” This was not a direct quote from Kyle Walker as he signed off in typically cheery fashion from a chat with the UK press before England’s Group C Euro 2024 match against Denmark on Thursday. But it was not far off and absolutely the thrust of things.
There has been the temptation to wonder whether there is a siege mentality taking hold within the England setup. Put yourself in the players’ shoes, especially the 13 who were a part of a tournament match-day squad for the first time on Sunday when England opened with a 1-0 win against Serbia, experiencing the craziness of it all. And the subsequent reaction.