England right-back Kyle Walker retires 4 games short of playing 100 international matches
Kyle Walker has retired from his England career, ending a 14-year stint in international football after earning 96 caps for the Three Lions. The 35-year-old right-back announced his retirement on Tuesday March 10, exactly three months before the World Cup.
Walker finished four appearances short of the 100-cap milestone, ending a journey that began with his England debut in 2011 and included five major tournaments.
The right-back’s last appearance for England came in a friendly against Senegal in June. Despite making 27 Premier League appearances for Burnley this season, he was not included in the recent squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
“After representing my country for over a decade, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the greatest honor of my career and something I will always be proud of,” Walker wrote in a post on Instagram.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, 12th player and everyone who has been a part of the journey behind the scenes. Every roar from the fans has pushed the team forward and I look forward to joining them to support the players at the World Cup.”
“The memories of the England shirt will always be with me.”
Walker was a key figure in England’s defense during that period, which saw the team reach the latter stages of several major tournaments. Former Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur defender endured heartache Finished runner-up at the European Championship twice, in both 2021 and 2024.
However, pressure was increasing on his place in the national team, with Reece James emerging as England’s preferred option at right-back.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel paid tribute to Walker following his decision, describing the veteran defender as one of his country’s greatest servants.
Tuchel said, “Although I only worked with him for a short time, I always knew that he was one of England’s great players who fully embraced the highest honor 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.”
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