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.
England’s right-back position is now expected to be contested by players including Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of upcoming international competitions.
