Kyle Walker announces his retirement from international football as Thomas Tuchel pays tribute

Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football. Walker earned 96 caps for England and represented his country at multiple major tournaments.

Making his senior England debut in November 2011, the 35-year-old went on to represent the national team across four managerial eras, playing under Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson , Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel. The full-back became a key part of England’s defence throughout the most successful sustained period for the national side in decades.

Explaining his decision, Walker 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, person behind the scenes and supporter who has been part of it.

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“The England fans are some of the most special out there, the roar of the 12th man kept us fighting and I now join them in wishing the lads luck as they enter the World Cup."

Reflecting on his international journey, Walker added: “Representing your country is the biggest thing you can do in football. Those memories with England will stay with me forever.”

While Three Lions boss Tuchel said in a tribute: “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.”

Paying tribute to her husband, Walker’s wife Annie Kilner said: “Kyle has always taken enormous pride in playing for England.

“It has meant a huge amount to him and to our whole family. International football requires incredible commitment over many years and we are all very proud of everything he has achieved in an England shirt.”

Alongside his international career, Walker has enjoyed one of the most decorated club careers of any English defender in recent history, winning multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and numerous domestic trophies. Walker will now focus on the next stage of his playing career at Burnley as the club battles to avoid relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

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