13 hours ago
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KYLE WALKER has lifted the lid on the awkward process of being called up to the England squad.
The 35-year-old has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for fixtures against Andorra tomorrow and Senegal on Tuesday.
GettyWalker revealed on his BBC podcast that players first receive a text message from a member of staff to confirm they have been selected.
A WhatsApp chat is then made ahead of the international break so further information can be passed on to them.
Walker said: “There is a group chat and normally they will message you individually – just saying that you made it.
“Then you will see people getting added into that group chat that have not been in before.”
But a new group is not formed every time – with snubbed players still able to see the messages.
Walker revealed: “No, no, you stay in. But you kind of have to mute it because you’re a little bit disheartened.”
Ahead of games against Andorra and Senegal, Chelsea star Trevoh Chalobah would have been a new name added as it is his first England call-up.
On his inclusion, Tuchel said: “We have some injuries in defence and he has stepped up massively since returning to Chelsea.
“He’s contributed to Chelsea‘s run for Champions League football and he’s been on our radar for some time.”
Meanwhile, the likes of Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire would have had to painfully mute the chat after failing to earn a spot in the squad.
The Manchester City midfielder did not make the cut after a disappointing campaign, which saw him score just ten goals in 45 games.
West Ham winger Bowen was surprisingly dropped despite finding the back of the net or assisting in his last six matches.
Manchester United centre-back Maguire has not played for England since March last year.
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