Kyle Walker's still got it! Man City veteran still better than Trent Alexander-Arnold claims England legend despite terrible Milan loan

The right-back joined the Serie A club from Manchester City on loan in January, but his time in Milan was underwhelming, hampered by injuries and inconsistent performances. As a result, it seems Milan have opted not to pursue a full-time deal, while City are also expected to make Walker available for transfer this summer.

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold has taken a major step in his career, sealing a move to Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup. The Spanish giants reportedly paid around €10 million (£8m/$11m) to secure the Liverpool full-back’s services immediately.

Despite Alexander-Arnold’s recent high-profile move, former England international Waddle believes that Walker still stands out as the country's best right-back. Speaking candidly to online-casinos.com about the current crop of English defenders, Waddle said: "It’s a really strange one. [Walker] has been in and out of the team at Milan. It was a good move to go there, and when I watch him play he clearly has the pace to deal with the top-level stuff, but he’s still been an inconsistent starter. Now, that might be because he doesn’t fit their tactics right now, or because they just played so many games, but even if it was a sensible move to make at the time, it hasn’t quite gone as he’d have hoped."

While Waddle acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s attacking prowess, including his pinpoint crosses and set-piece deliveries, he was less convinced by the defender’s ability to handle defensive duties at the highest level.

He said: "At the same time, it’s hard to name a better English right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold can be exceptional but he’s not outstanding as a true defender. He’s got his talents, there’s no denying it, with exceptional passing and dead-ball delivery, but if it’s him or Walker, we’re not blessed in that position for a young right-back who does what you expect. I think Kyle is the pick of the two right now, his all-round game puts him ahead of the rest."

The debate around England’s right-back dilemma comes at a critical time, with Thomas Tuchel preparing for a pair of international fixtures. The Three Lions will take on Andorra this Saturday in a World Cup qualifier, before facing Senegal in a friendly match on June 10.