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Kyle Walker praises Gareth Southgate influence on England camp

Image: Kyle Walker says being in the England camp is like playing 'club football'

Kyle Walker has credited Gareth Southgate for the atmosphere he has created within the England squad, saying it is like "club football".

Southgate took charge of England in September 2016, and has since led his country to the World Cup in Russia next year.

Walker is established as one of Southgate's first-choice defenders, and he wants the players to repay the faith the manager has shown in them.

How to watch World Cup Draw
How to watch World Cup Draw

The draw for the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be shown live on Sky Sports News and Sky Sports Main Event from 3pm on Friday.

He said: "It feels like club football now.

"We have a group chat where there is always banter flying. We're all together in the games room, playing pool, having a laugh and I think it is really bringing the squad together nicely.

"When Gareth came in he has put his own stamp on it, he has in his head how he wants it to be and for us it is working.

"Now it is just down to us to repay the faith that he has put into us."

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Walker will be hoping to travel to his first World Cup at the end of the season, having missed out in 2014 through injury.

The draw takes place on Friday, and Walker suggested there would be no easy games, pointing to England's infamous defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.

Gareth Southgate watches on during England v Germany
Image: Gareth Southgate took charge of England following Sam Allardyce's sacking at the beginning of last season

He said: "Every team going to a World Cup is going to be decent so you won't get an easy group.

"On the day, anyone can beat anyone, which we saw at the Euros.

"We need to build on that experience."

You can watch the World Cup Draw live on Sky Sports News from 3pm on Friday December 1.

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