Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football after being left out of England’s squad by head coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The 35-year-old right-back brings down the curtain on a 14-year international career that yielded 96 caps, placing him 10th on England’s all-time men’s appearance list.
Walker made his senior debut in November 2011 and went on to serve under four managers, spanning the eras of Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and Tuchel.
His final appearance came in March 2025, a 2–0 World Cup qualifying win over Albania.
He was replaced by Reece James for the subsequent fixture against Latvia and has not returned to the England set-up since.
In a statement, Walker described representing his country as “the greatest honour” of his career, adding that the decision to step aside would “allow the next generation of players to come through.”
He disclosed the memories made in an England shirt would stay with him “forever.”
Tuchel paid tribute, describing Walker as “one of England’s greats,” adding that a career spanning five major tournaments was testament to his longevity and professionalism.
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“He can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride,” the England coach said.
Walker’s international peak coincided with a highly successful club spell at Manchester City, where he won 17 trophies under Pep Guardiola, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Signed from Tottenham Hotspur for £50m in 2017, he became a cornerstone of City’s domestic dominance.
After losing his starting place, Walker moved to AC Milan in January last year, a switch he later said he regretted in terms of timing.
He returned to the Premier League last summer with Burnley, where he has continued to play regularly.
Speaking to Sky Sports in October, Walker reflected candidly on the Milan move, admitting he may have left City too soon but insisting he had no regrets about testing himself abroad.
Away from the pitch, the latter stages of his City career were overshadowed by scrutiny of his private life.
However, his wife, Annie Kilner, who recently announced the couple are expecting their fourth child, said the family were “incredibly proud” of his England career and the sacrifices it required.
Walker bows out as one of the most consistent defenders of his generation, leaving behind a substantial legacy at both club and international level.