Ex-Man City blasts Kyle Walker for misplaced priorities, suggests he won't get England to  ‘win a sausage’ with blasé attitude

Kyle Walker || Imago

FOOTBALL Ex-Man City blasts Kyle Walker for misplaced priorities, suggests he won't get England to ‘win a sausage’ with blasé attitude

Mark Kinyanjui 21:00 - 20.03.2024

Barton has torn into Kyle Walker and other England stars for wearing diamond earings to training, but has also heaped praise on Jude Bellingham

Joey Barton has sparked more controversy by switching his attention momentarily from belittling female pundits to now slamming England's stars, including Kyle Walker.

 Barton insinuated that some players are overly preoccupied with their appearances, likening them to rapper Drake rather than focusing on their performance on the international stage.

As England prepares for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Barton's comments have sparked debate about the team's culture and priorities. 

Despite Gareth Southgate naming his squad for the upcoming matches, there were notable absences from training, with some players engaged in physio and gym work instead of participating on the field.

Expressing his displeasure, Barton took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), condemning what he perceived as a misplaced focus on style over substance among certain players.

“Culture is all wrong. Training in diamond earrings and leggings. Won’t win a sausage!” he wrote.

“Too many weak, disingenuous men in positions of leadership. More a***d about looking like the rapper Drake than the great Bobby Moore.”

Barton's critique did not spare Manchester City's Kyle Walker, a player known for his contributions to Barton's former club under Pep Guardiola. 

However, Barton did reserve praise for Jude Bellingham, hailing him as England's best hope for success due to his perceived professionalism and dedication.

Meanwhile, Bellingham, a rising star at Real Madrid, continues to impress in LaLiga, emerging as one of Europe's top talents. His inclusion in the England squad reflects the team's aspirations for success, as they prepare to compete in the upcoming European Championship in Germany.

Despite injuries affecting squad selection, England remains a formidable contender for the title, boasting depth and talent across various positions. Manager Gareth Southgate faces the challenge of finalizing his squad amidst ongoing assessments during the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

In a surprising development, Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo received his first senior England call-up, underscoring the team's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for promising players to showcase their abilities on the international stage.

As the football world watches closely, Barton's criticism serves as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by players and teams alike, highlighting the complexities of balancing performance, image, and expectations in the high-stakes arena of international football.

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