England icon Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football with England, ending a 14-year career with the national team just four matches short of reaching 100 caps.
Walker represented England at the international level for 14 years and reached the final of the European Championship twice during that time.
The 35-year-old right back made the announcement with the FIFA World Cup approaching in about three months. His international journey began with his debut in 2011 and included appearances in five major tournaments for the Three Lions.
Walker last played for England in a friendly match against Senegal in June. He was notably not included in the squads for the World Cup qualifiers despite playing 27 Premier League matches for Burnley this season.
“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,” Walker wrote on Instagram.
Walker thanked every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who had been part of the journey.
He said the support from fans and every roar from the crowd pushed the team forward, and he added that he is looking forward to joining the supporters as they back the squad in the World Cup.
He added that the memories of wearing the England shirt will stay with him forever.
Kyle Walker, who represented Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, experienced the heartbreak of major tournament defeats twice as England finished runner-up at the European Championship in 2021 and 2024. Reece James has since replaced him in the England squad.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel paid tribute to Walker, describing him as one of the country’s great players despite their short time working together.
“Although I only worked with him for a short period of time, I was always aware that he was one of England’s greats who fully embraced the highest honor of representing his country,” Tuchel said.
He added that an international career spanning 14 years and five major tournaments is a testament to Walker’s dedication, and that the defender can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride.
