Experienced England defender Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned more than a decade with the Three Lions.
Kyle Walker, a 35-year-old Burnley full-back, walks away from international football after earning 96 caps and appearing in five major tournaments for England.
Walker’s final outing came in June 2025, when England faced Senegal in a friendly at the City Ground. Reflecting on his international career, the veteran defender described it as a remarkable journey that has now reached its end.
“I am sad to be making this decision, but I’m also very proud of what I’ve achieved with England,” he said.
“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 England debut against Spain in November 2011 and soon became a regular figure in the national side.
Over the years, the former Sheffield United, Tottenham and Manchester City defender featured at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and played in three European Championships in 2016, 2021 and 2024.
He played a key role in England’s run to back-to-back European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the most reliable defenders of his generation.
Walker was named in Uefa’s team of the tournament at both Euros and served as England’s vice-captain during the 2024 campaign.
Despite his experience, he was left out of the most recent England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel, a decision that signalled the end of his international chapter.
Walker finishes his England career with one goal, scored against Ukraine in September 2023, and says he hopes the current generation has helped reshape how the national team is viewed.
“We’ve tried to change the way that people look at English football,” he added.
“We’ve tried to change the way that the media looks at football and we’ve tried to take a little bit of the pressure off that you feel playing for England.
“Of course, I think there should be some pressure playing for your country, but we should all carry that because we’re the chosen ones who are lucky enough to pull on that shirt and represent our country.”
