Kyle Walker announces he’s QUITTING international football

Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football after losing his place from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup

The 35-year-old right back earned 96 caps for England after making his debut in November 2011, and played under four managers in Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate, and Tuchel. He ranks 10th on England’s all-time men’s senior appearance list.

Walker last played for England in their World Cup qualifier against Albania in March 2025, a 2-0 victory. He was dropped for Reece James for the following match against Latvia and hasn’t returned to the England camp since.

Walker, who joined Burnley last summer, said: ‘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.

‘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.

‘Representing your country is the biggest thing you can do in football and those memories with England will stay with me forever.’

England boss Tuchel said: ‘I know all England fans will join me in congratulating Kyle on an incredible international career.

‘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 honour of representing his country.

‘An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournaments is testament to Kyle’s dedication. He can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride.’

Walker’s wife, Annie Kilner, who last month announced that the two were expecting a fourth child, added: ‘Kyle has always taken so much pride in playing for England and it has meant the world to him.

‘As a family we have shared so many special moments watching him represent his country, and our four boys have grown up seeing how much the England shirt means to their dad.

‘International football asks a lot of players and their families, but we could not be prouder of everything he has achieved and the career he has had with England.’

Walker’s most successful spell at England – as part of the squads that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-final and Euro 2020 final – coincided with a trophy laden seven-and-a-half-year term at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.