Euro 2016: Rio Ferdinand insists Kyle Walker is now one of the best right-backs in the world
Ex-England legend salutes Spurs defender after barnstorming display typifies Three Lions' last-ditch victory over Wales
KYLE WALKER has gatecrashed his way into the world elite.
That is the view of former England legend Rio Ferdinand, surely one of the men best qualified to judge the stature of an international defender, after tireless Walker typified the Three Lions' relentless raids in their 2-1 comeback win over Wales.
Ex-Manchester United centre-half Ferdinand saluted the Tottenham right-back after most of the praise fell on converted midfielder Wayne Rooney and goalscoring substitutes Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge.
Ferdinand said: "If you look at Kyle Walker's pace and intensity, he is like a machine.
"He puts the opposition full-back under pressure. He asks whether you are ready to run with me and if not, he will motor past you.
"There might be questions on how he plays in his own third, but as for when you are on the front foot, I don't think there are many better in the world. He is like a winger."
Walker's starting place was one of the big pre-tournament dilemmas for England chief Roy Hodgson.
Many pundits argued that Liverpool's Nathaniel Clyne had the edge in solidity and consistency over the past year at international level.
But barely a week later few will dispute Walker's right to the position.
His confidence must have soared in the past season as Spurs challenged for the Premier League title until the final week.
And England's unchanged line-up for their first two Group B games has also included fellow Tottenham men Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Danny Rose.
