DEFENDER Kyle Walker-Peters still aims to add to his two England caps and insists "performing for Southampton" will give him the best chance.

By the time new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel picks his first squad, three years will have passed since Walker-Peters won two caps in March 2022.

Handed a first call-up by Gareth Southgate, interim coach Lee Carsley put Walker-Peters back on the England radar at the start of the autumn internationals.

Walker-Peters was namechecked by Carsley in his first press conference and was named on the injury standby list for the September camp - at least.

And although the crucial call never came, Carsley's approach showed the former Tottenham Hotspur defender that England is still a realistic ambition.

"For sure," said Walker-Peters, speaking to the Daily Echo. "Lee's shown that to me. Previously, I've been on standby lists and I've been on the list for England.

"It's still there in my sights playing for England and it's still something I aim to do. I'm just trying to perform the best I can for Southampton.

"Ultimately, the better I am performing for Southampton then the more chance I have of representing my country again."

Walker-Peters played 62 minutes on his debut in a 2-1 win over Switzerland before completing 45 minutes off the bench in a 3-0 win against Ivory Coast.

In March 2022, Walker-Peters said: "After the camp, I spoke to Gareth before I left. He told me about how well I did and he thought I deserved to be there.

“He told me what he thought my qualities were. I know who I am competing with and I know how tough it is to be part of the England squad as a full-back."

Walker-Peters is out of contract at Saints next summer and with no agreement on a new deal offered by the club on the horizon, he could depart St Mary's.

The 27 year old has made 178 appearances for Saints since signing on an initial loan deal in January 2020, scoring seven goals and assisting 10.

"I've only got a few months left on my contract but my focus is on keeping Southampton in the Premier League," said Walker-Peters.