An England star has been praised by Vinicius Jr. as “the best” defender he has ever faced.
Brazil’s forward was outstanding against the Three Lions on Saturday night, causing havoc to the home team’s defense and making history by becoming the first team to defeat England at Wembley in twenty-one games.
According to Mail Online, Jordan Pickford turned aside a Vinicius effort before Endrick, a 17-year-old, scored the game’s winning goal. The future Real Madrid forward then scored on the rebound.
Under Gareth Southgate, England’s defense has been comparatively stable in recent years, but with Luke Shaw presently sidelined due to injury, there are doubts regarding the left back spot.
Nevertheless, Vinicius had nothing but praise for a certain man who, over the past few months, he has grown to know quite well.
The forward expressed his sadness after England’s captain, Kyle Walker, was replaced in the first half due to a hamstring problem, which has since prevented him from playing against Belgium on Tuesday.
Kyle Walker ‘The Best’ Defender
“We want to compete with the best.” I always say that Walker is the best defender I’ve ever faced, and we have excellent dueling matches.
After exchanging brief barbs, the two limped off the field after 19 minutes, giving Harry Maguire—who has since returned to Manchester United after an injury—the captain’s armband.
At a crucial juncture in the match, Vinicius appeared to round Jordan Pickford and give Brazil the lead, but Walker came back to block a feeble attempt before it crossed the goal line.
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The match was not the first time the two players had faced off; in fact, one of the more fascinating winger-full back fights of the recent past occurred during their match during Manchester City and Real Madrid’s Champions League semifinal last year.
In that instance, Walker and City prevailed, with Pep Guardiola’s team winning 5-1 overall after a commanding 4-0 victory at the Etihad in the second leg.
At one point, Vinicius attempted a rainbow flick on Walker, and the defender revealed that he had asked his opponent not to “try that again” when they embraced following the first leg.
England ‘Next In Line’ Action
Walker appears to be racing against time to be fit for the match, but the two will likely square off when City and Madrid play again in the Champions League next month—this time in the quarterfinals.
Prior to his team’s crucial match against Arsenal in their first game back following the international break—a match that could have a significant impact on the title race—he has returned to City for treatment.
Rico Lewis, a teammate with one senior cap, has been promoted from the Under-21 squad to the senior team in lieu of the injured player.
Meanwhile, James Trafford has also been promoted following Sam Johnstone’s elbow injury, which may keep him out of the game for the remainder of the campaign.
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