How is this Spurs star quickly becoming integral for his club and England?

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He might have missed England’s last two major tournament’s through injury, but Kyle Walker is certainly making up for lost time by putting in Man of the Match performances at Euro 2016.

A year or so ago I wasn’t too convinced by the Tottenham man, but he is developing into one of the best right-backs in the Premier League and I can only see him continuing to improve from here on.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has suggested that there isn’t anyone better in the world than Walker at what he does in his position, which is testament to how far he has come as a player, as well as being a tremendous compliment.

There is no doubt that Spurs’ boss Mauricio Pochettino is getting the best out of Walker and it is under his guidance that we are seeing the best in him. A strong season for Tottenham has seen him solidify his place in the team even more and then go on to cement his spot as England’s number one right-back ahead of Nathaniel Clyne.

I don’t think too many of us could’ve seen this coming, as Clyne looked to be the future of England in that full-back position once Glen Johnson lost his place.

The Liverpool defender made six appearances during Euro 2016 qualifying, as opposed to Walker’s solitary one start, but his performances in the warm up games, as well as those throughout the season, have seen him become the man for the job.

His first two games at this years European Championships for England have optimised him as a player and he has undoubtedly been one of our best performers to date. In some ways he has been England’s biggest attacking threat and the Three Lions have relied on him a lot to be available as an outlet down that right-hand side.

His sheer pace and athleticism allows him to be that modern day full-back, who can both defend but also be up there to join in with attacks. The defensive side of his game would be his main concern, but he seems to have improved vastly in that respect.

Playing alongside the Belgium pairing of Toby Alderwiereld and Jan Vertonghen at Tottenham seems to have played an important part in helping him improve defensively as both love communicating and their guidance can only be of benefit to the 26-year-old.

What’s even more obvious to note is the impact that Eric Dier has on Walker’s game. Playing for Tottenham and England together has helped the pair gain an understanding of each other’s game. The type of game Dier plays gives licence for full backs to maraud forward and support the attack whilst knowing that defensive cover is there if they are to get caught out.

Time after time in the draw against Russia and the last-gasp victory over Wales, Walker was the man England turned to for an outlet and every time he was positive in his attacks and took on opponents with the intention of getting his side on the front foot.

He was deservedly given the official Man of the Match against Wales as England’s pressure finally paid off thanks to Daniel Sturridge’s 91st minute winner. Walker’s relentless attacking gave Wales barely any opportunity to get out of their own half as he gave Roy Hodgson’s side width, positivity and attacking intent.

Of course, there are still flaws in his game. When he comes up against real top quality wingers he may have to be a little more reserved and concentrate more on getting the defensive jobs done before thinking about getting forward.

He must also work on delivering that final ball just a little bit better but that will come if he keeps getting into those positions and, let’s remember, he’s a right-back playing like a winger.

But, for now, England have a top top full-back on their books and if he keeps performing how he has all season for Spurs and how he has done in these first two Euro 2016 fixtures, he will have a long and successful international career. Kyle Walker is most certainly stepping up to the plate.