Source: Daily_Mail
Kyle Walker's flying high after man-of-the-match display in England win
Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker hailed a 'whirlwind' two years after being named man of the match on his full England debut against Sweden tonight.[LNB] Walker was playing in the npower Championship and for England Under 19s this time two years ago but the past few days have capped a meteoric rise for the 21-year-old.[LNB] Case for the defence: Walker impressed on his full England debut [LNB] After coming off the bench to earn his first cap in England's shock victory over Spain on Saturday, Walker took full advantage of his first start in this evening's 1-0 win over Sweden at Wembley. [LNB] Meteoric rise: Walker has hailed a 'whirlwind' two years [LNB]'It's been a whirlwind of a two years for me,' Walker said. [LNB]'I was in the under 19 squad two years ago. 'I'm thankful for the opportunity I got tonight and, hopefully, I can keep going.'[LNB] He added: 'It's an honour, really to get out on the pitch and finally show what I can do. [LNB]'I'm grateful and I owe a lot to my mum and dad for this.'[LNB] Walker appeared to form an instant understanding with winger Theo Walcott, who he compared to Spurs team-mate Aaron Lennon. [LNB]'I play with Azza at club level - he's a great player - and Theo's just like Azza,' he said. [LNB] Perfect 10: Gareth Barry flicks a headerthat deflects in off Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic[LNB]'Hopefully, we built up and understanding and we crack on from there.'[LNB]Walker, who was himself compared to Roberto Carlos during this summer's European Under 21 Championships in Denmark, admitted it had been 'a massive step up' to senior international level. [LNB]'You have to always concentrate. There are more experienced players. There are more dangerous players,' he said. [LNB]'But the under 21s is a fantastic level as well and you have to have that experience coming up through there to get into the seniors. [LNB] Heads we win: Barry's defelcted first-half header was enough to steal spoils[LNB]'Thankfully, the gaffer Stuart Pearce gave me the opportunity to play there in the summer and I think I learnt a lot from that as well.'[LNB] As did three of Walker's team-mates tonight - Phil Jones, Jack Rodwell and Daniel Sturridge - while Danny Welbeck was only missing because of injury. [LNB]Walker said: 'It's an exciting squad now. It's full of youngsters - me, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones, Rodwell - the list goes on. [LNB]'We're all in the manager's thoughts and I hope we're there in the summer.'[LNB] He added: 'I just want to go out there and play football - what I enjoy doing. [LNB]'The rest can take care of itself. I need to keep playing club football and hopefully keep performing at club football and then we'll look towards the summer.'[LNB] Martin Samuel: Returning England captain Terry now immune to the boos crews of Wembley England 1 Sweden 0: Rodwell and Jones do Capello proud as Young Lions break 43-year jinxWembley match zone: Zamora is taking over Heskey role I would NEVER stand down as England captain, says under-fire Terry after Sweden win Jamie Redknapp: Walker looks like a right-sided Cole after showing his class on full England debut
