Arsene Wenger: England's Kyle Walker 'is not a real defender'

Arsene Wenger has identified Kyle Walker as England's Achilles heel, adding that Eric Dier is deserving of a spot in Gareth Southgate's starting team over the Manchester City player.

The former Arsenal manager believes that Walker will be exposed against tougher opposition after the right-back was shifted to the right side of a back three.

"He’s not a real defender, and especially not a central defender. He can be subject to defensive mistakes, which he would not pay for when he plays as a right-back,” Wenger said during his punditry duties with beIN Sports, according to The Telegraph.

Despite England's perfect record heading into the final match of the group stage against Belgium, Walker attracted criticism after he conceded a penalty in the opening match against Tunisia.

The move from his natural position has also resulted in fewer opportunities to advance forward, but Walker said he's open to the change as long as he finds his name on the starting team sheet.

"It is a new position for me. Of course, I’m still learning," he said.

"I’ve got great people next to me, especially the gaffer - who is coaching me and making sure he gives key tips in certain areas regarding what I need to do when I’m in that position.

"It’s a little bit different. I don’t get as forward as much, which is a big part of my game, but I can use my pace in different areas to cover people and stuff like that. As long as I am on the pitch and as long as England are doing well then I’m completely fine with it."

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Wenger believes Dier would be much more suitable in England's back three after the versatile Tottenham player played a prominent role during the country's qualifying campaign.

"The player who has been sacrificed and nobody talks about him is Dier, he played all the games before," Wenger said.

"Since the start of the competition, we have not seen him. He can play in the middle of the defence and as a midfielder.

"I don’t know why he has not been used at all."