Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football with the England national football team, ending a 14-year spell with the Three Lions just months before the next FIFA World Cup.
The 35-year-old defender 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 played 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.
Walker was part of the England team that reached back-to-back European Championship finals, losing to the Italy national football team at Euro 2020 and to the Spain national football team at Euro 2024. He also played a key role in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup under former manager Gareth Southgate.
His only international goal came against the Ukraine national football team in 2023, while he captained England on three occasions. Walker’s last appearance for the national team came in a surprise 3–1 friendly defeat to the Senegal national football team in June 2025.
Announcing his retirement, Walker described representing 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.
“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 pride in representing his country and that the family shared many special moments watching him play.
England manager Thomas Tuchel also paid tribute, noting that Walker played under four national team managers — Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and Tuchel himself.
At club level, Walker currently plays for Burnley F.C. after previously enjoying a successful spell with Manchester City F.C., where he won multiple trophies including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Following his retirement, England’s right-back role is expected to be contested by players including Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of upcoming international competitions.
