Kyle Walker has decided to retire from the England national team just four games short of reaching 100 caps, concluding a stellar 14-year international career that included two European Championship runner-up finishes. The 35-year-old right-back made the announcement three months before the upcoming World Cup, marking the end of his journey that began in 2011 and encompassed participation in five major tournaments for the Three Lions.
Walker’s last appearance in an England shirt was during a friendly match against Senegal in June. Despite featuring in 27 Premier League matches for Burnley this season, he was notably absent from recent squads for World Cup qualifiers. Expressing his gratitude on Instagram, Walker stated, “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honor of my career and something I will always be proud of.”
The former Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur defender faced the disappointment of being a European Championship runner-up in 2021 and 2024. However, he has now been replaced in the England lineup by Reece James. England manager Thomas Tuchel praised Walker’s contribution to the national team, hailing him as an England ‘great’ despite their limited time working together. Tuchel commended Walker’s dedication during his 14-year international career, which included participation in five major tournaments, stating that he can reflect on his time with the Three Lions with immense pride.
