#PLStories- Southampton boss reveals conversation with England assistant coach helped Walker-Peters national team call-up #SAINTSFC

RALPH Hasenhuttl revealed he had a recent conversation with England’s assistant coach about Kyle Walker-Peters, insisting: “They know my opinion on him.” Gareth Southgate, who is supported by assistants Steve Holland and Chris Powell, has called 24-year-old Walker-Peters to the England squad for a first time. The Saints star benefitted from a squad shake-up with full-backs Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold among those who have not joined up with the camp this month. The Three Lions are set to face Switzerland and Ivory Coast in friendlies at Wembley Stadium, with versatile Walker-Peters the only recognised right-back in the squad. England manager Gareth Southgate (Pic: PA) Speaking before the decision to give under-20 World Cup-winner Walker-Peters his first senior England experience was made, Hasenhuttl revealed a conversation which could have worked in the former Tottenham man’s favour. “We had somebody, the assistant coach with the national team was here two or three weeks ago and they know my opinion on Kyle Walker-Peters,” the Austrian said. “Everyone has seen what a fantastic job he has done on both sides, he did it fantastic. “(He is) absolutely a guy to look at and it would be great for him, definitely.” Walker-Peters could now make his England debut on Saturday, March 26, versus Switzerland, before facing the African nation on Tuesday, March 29. Kyle Walker-Peters on England youth duty (Pic: PA) He will join Saints captain James Ward-Prowse in the Three Lions squad. Earlier this month, Walker-Peters told the Daily Echo that he had ambitions of playing for England, but that his focus was solely on Saints. “You know, I’m really happy with my performances this season," he said. “I think I’ve done a good job and it’s being recognised which is nice. Of course, I’d love to represent England, but that’s down to the manager. “My main focus is performing as well as I can for Southampton and hopefully that will give me the opportunity to go with England.”