Kyle Walker has been highlighted as England’s weak link by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who claims he is “not a real defender”.

England have qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup after Group G victories against Tunisia and Panama. But, ahead of the final group game against Belgium and with tougher tests to come, Wenger believes Walker could be exposed by better opposition.

Walker has been moved from right-back to the right side of a back three by England manager Gareth Southgate and Wenger said: “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 is not the first to question Walker’s change of position at this World Cup, as Rio Ferdinand described his positioning as “criminal” for the incident that resulted in Tunisia scoring a penalty in the opening Group G game.

Walker responded by saying: “It is a new position for me. Of course, I’m still learning.

“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.

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“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.”

Walker’s move into the middle created a space for Kieran Trippier, who has impressed at right wing-back and his delivery from corners and free-kicks has been key.

“You always have to practise, especially at our club [Tottenham],” said Trippier. “Christian Eriksen is a specialist and he is on them at Spurs, but if I get put on them then I’ll do my best. I just keep practising in training – you can always improve.

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“It is not just me and Christian, there are a few of the boys there after training and you can always help each other, with where to put the ball, because obviously teams set up differently.

“You just put it in the danger area and players like Harry [Kane], Stonesy [John Stones] and [Harry] Maguire try to get on the end of things.”

Walker is one of the players Southgate could rest against Belgium, particularly as he is on a yellow card, and Wenger believes Eric Dier should be given a chance.

Dier, who has played on the right side of a back three for Tottenham, is yet to play in Russia, despite being a regular through qualifying and England’s best player at Euro 2016.

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He is expected to start against Belgium, and Wenger told BeIN Sports: “The player who has been sacrificed and nobody talks about him is Dier, he played all the games before.

“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.”

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford should get the chance to put pressure on Raheem Sterling’s place, but Wenger believes the City player is a better partner for Harry Kane.

“To my taste, Kane and Rashford are a bit similar,” said Wenger.

“Sterling is a very good pair with Kane because he makes short runs, very quick to go behind the defenders, and works well.”

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