Photo Credit; Getty Images
England defender Kyle Walker has retired from international football with immediate effect at the age of 35. The Burnley full-back earned 96 caps for his country and represented the Three Lions in five major tournaments. Walker, whose final international appearance was a June 2025 friendly against Senegal, stated he was proud of his achievements but felt it was time to close the book on his England career.
"Today is the time that comes to an end. It's good for me to have a little bit of closure to my career on the international stage."
Walker made his debut for England against Spain in November 2011 and went on to establish himself as a regular for the Three Lions.
The former Sheffield United, Tottenham and Manchester City defender played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the European Championships in 2016, 2021 and 2024.
He was a key player in Sir Gareth Southgate's England side, helping them to successive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.
Walker was selected in both of Uefa's teams of the tournament at the Euros and was the Three Lions' vice-captain for the latter.
None of this, though, was enough to keep him in the favour of current England manager Thomas Tuchel, who left him out of his most recent squad.
Walker was not going to make Tuchel's squad for this summer's World Cup, accepting the reality that he is unlikely to receive another England call. The time had come to move away.
Chelsea's Reece James is primed to take the role Walker has filled with such distinction at five major tournaments at World Cups in 2018 and 2022, and Euros in 2016, 2021 and 2024.
His retirement from international football concludes a stellar and enduring career, with his achievements and longevity placing him among England's finest right-backs.
