Veteran defender Kyle Walker has announced his
retirement from international football with the England national football team,
ending a 14-year spell with the national side just months before the next FIFA
World Cup 2026.
The 35-year-old earned 96 caps for England
after making his debut against the Spain national football team in 2011 at the
age of 21.
During his international career, Walker featured in five
major tournaments, including UEFA Euro 2016, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, UEFA
Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.
He was part of the England team that reached two
consecutive European Championship finals, losing to the Italy national
football team at Euro 2020 and to Spain at Euro 2024. Walker also played a key
role in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup under
former manager Gareth Southgate.
Walker scored one international goal, which
came against the Ukraine national football team in 2023, and he captained
England on three occasions. His last appearance for the national side came in
June 2025 during a surprise 3–1 friendly defeat to the Senegal national
football team.
Announcing his decision, Walker described playing for
England as the greatest honour of his career.
“Playing for England has always been the greatest
honour of my career. Every time I pulled on the shirt it meant a huge amount to
me and my family,” he said.
He added that after careful consideration, he believed
it was the right time to step aside and allow younger players to take over.
Walker’s wife, Annie Kilner, said the defender had
always been proud to represent his country and that the family cherished the
memories of watching him play for England.
England manager Thomas Tuchel also praised Walker’s
contribution, noting that the defender played under four national team
managers — Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and Tuchel himself.
Tuchel described Walker’s time with the national team
as an “incredible international career,” highlighting his 14 years of
service and participation in five major tournaments.
At club level, Walker currently plays for Burnley F.C.
after previously enjoying a highly successful spell with Manchester City F.C.,
where he won numerous trophies, including six Premier League titles and the
UEFA Champions League.
Following his retirement, England’s right-back
position is expected to be contested by players such as Reece James and Trent
Alexander-Arnold ahead of upcoming international competitions.
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