Thursday, March, 12 2026 - Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football with England national football team, bringing an end to a 14-year international career just months before the next World Cup.
The 35-year-old defender earned 96 caps for England after
making his debut against Spain national football team in 2011 at the age of 21.
During his international career, Walker appeared 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 side that reached consecutive
European Championship finals, losing to Italy national football team at Euro
2020 and to Spain national football team at Euro 2024. Walker also played a key
role in the team’s run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup under former
manager Gareth Southgate.
His only international goal came against Ukraine national
football team in 2023, and he captained England on three occasions. Walker had
not featured for England since a surprise 3–1 friendly defeat to Senegal
national football team in June 2025.
Announcing his retirement, Walker said representing England
had been 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.
“After a lot of thought, this feels like the right moment to
step away and allow the next generation of players to come through. I leave
incredibly proud of the journey and grateful to every manager, teammate and
supporter who has been part of it.”
His wife, Annie Kilner, said the defender had always taken
great pride in representing his country and that the family shared many special
moments watching him play for England. England manager Thomas Tuchel also paid
tribute to Walker, noting that the defender played under four national team
managers, Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Southgate and Tuchel himself.
Tuchel said Walker could look back on an “incredible
international career,” adding that his 14 years with the national team and
appearances at five major tournaments showed his dedication to the Three Lions.
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 multiple trophies including six Premier League titles and the UEFA
Champions League.
0 Comments