England boss Gareth Southgate has received much needed encouragement that Kyle Walker is 'confident' of proving his fitness for the World Cup.

The Manchester City defender is absent due to undergoing groin surgery recently.

Walker faces a race against time to be fully fit to take his place in the England squad going to Qatar in November.

Per the Daily Mail, Walker believes he will be fit by then, although Southgate is considering his next options as well.

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has emerged as an option for the England boss.

Another who is going to miss out is right-back Reece James, leaving England light in the defensive department at present.